20 minutes

Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.

8 hours

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

24 hours

Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

48 hours

There is no nicotine in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hours

Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks

Your circulation improves.

3-9 months

Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.

5 years

Risk of heart attacks falls to about half compared to a person who is still smoking.

10 years

Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service

"Free, local and effective. NHS Stop Smoking Services offer support that works."

Patches, gums and other stop smoking medicines

Stop smoking medicines and Nicotine Replacement Therapy products can double your chance of quitting.