Call the advice line 0800 169 1900
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How to stop
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Feel healthier fast
There are lots of benefits to giving up smoking. Your body will begin to repair some of the damage done to it almost immediately. These improvements continue for years, leaving you feeling healthier and happier.

It’s always a good time
Just look at how quickly the benefits of giving up start and how long they continue.

20 minutes after giving up smoking
Your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.

8 hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood reduce by half, and oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hours
Carbon monoxide is eliminated from your body. Your lungs begin to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

48 hours
No nicotine is left in your body. Your ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hours
Breathing becomes easier for you. Your bronchial tubes start to relax and your energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks
Your circulation improves.

3-9 months
Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as your lung function increases by up to 10%.

1 year
Your risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years
Your risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.

15 years
Your risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

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BHF smoking helpline 0800 169 1900

Registered Charity number 225971