How quickly can cardiovascular risk decrease after a smoker quits?

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Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health, as the body begins to recover almost immediately. While the risk of developing lung cancer decreases more slowly, the risk of cardiovascular disease drops significantly faster. Reductions in this risk are evident within just one year of cessation.1

By stopping, you alleviate the strain on your heart caused by carbon monoxide, which otherwise binds to hemoglobin and impairs oxygen transport. This change helps restore normal coronary blood flow, reducing the likelihood of myocardial infarction and stroke. Prioritizing your health by quitting is a vital step toward preventing long-term damage and protecting your cardiovascular system.1