Ever wonder what happens to your body the moment you stop smoking? Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins a series of changes that continues for years. 20 MINUTES Blood pressure drops to normal. Pulse rate drops to normal. Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal. 8 HOURS Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal. Oxygen level in blood increases to normal. 24 HOURS Chance of heart attack decreases. 48 HOURS Nerve endings start regrowing. Ability to smell and taste is enhanced. 2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung function increases up to 30%. 1 TO 9 MONTHS Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection. Body s overall energy increases. 1 YEAR Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. 5 YEARS Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half. Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker s. 10 YEARS Lung cancer death rate similar to that of nonsmokers. Precancerous cells are replaced. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases. 15 YEARS Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.