What Happens When You Quit Smoking Over Time

By Sushant Agarwal Published on | Jun 25, 2025

Your Body After Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is the best gift you can give your body. Here's how your health improves over time — step by step. Image Credit: Canva

20 Minutes After Quitting

Heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop. Circulation starts improving almost immediately. Image Credit: Canva

12 Hours Later

Carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal, improving oxygen flow in the body. Image Credit: Canva

1 to 2 Weeks

Lung function improves and circulation gets better. You’ll feel more energetic and breathe easier. Image Credit: Canva

1 to 9 Months

Coughing and shortness of breath reduce. Cilia in your lungs regenerate, improving your ability to fight infections. Image Credit: Canva

1 Year Later

Your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half compared to a smoker’s risk. Image Credit: Canva

5 Years Later

Risk of stroke drops to that of a non-smoker. Risk of mouth, throat, and bladder cancers also reduces significantly. Image Credit: Canva

10 Years Later

Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a person who still smokes. Pancreatic and larynx cancer risk also drops. Image Credit: Canva

15 Years Later

Your risk of heart disease is now nearly the same as someone who never smoked. Image Credit: Canva

You Gained More Than Years

You didn’t just add years to your life — you added quality, energy, strength, and freedom from addiction when you decided to quit smoking. Image Credit: Canva Travel Anxiety Is Real: What It Is & How to Cope