The health problems caused by smoking can be dealt with in as little as 20 minutes. That’s how quickly it takes your body to start working towards a healthy status after your last cigarette. The following chain of events represents a factual timeline of positive changes that occur within your body, providing you do the right thing and give nicotine up for good.

In 20 minutes your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.

In 10 hours oxygen levels return to normal.

In 16 hours circulation improves.

In 24 hours carbon monoxide and nicotine no longer remain in the system.

In 48 hours sense of taste and smell improves.

In 72 hours breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes begin to relax.

In 1 month skin texture and colour improves.

In 1 year risk of heart attack reduces by half compared to that of a smoker.

In 10 years risk of lung cancer drops to half compared to that of a smoker.

In 15 years risk of heart attack is equal to someone who has never smoked.

The full list of stop smoking health benefits can be seen on our main website, along with some really useful information on how and when to cut down. We have also partnered this list with a set of friendly images over at our new Pinterest page, which may serve a less nagging tactic when sharing quit smoking advice with friends or family.

QuitFullStop is an online information portal specialising in smoking cessation. Free, impartial advice and online tools are available to educate people on why quitting is a positive step and the successful ways to stay smoke-free.