helpquitsmoking.blogspot.co.uk What happens to your body when you quit smoking? 20 minutes: Your heart rate drops. 12 hours The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to normal. 2 weeks to 3 months Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lungs are working better. Mar. 8, 2013 – Nov. 8, 2013 (in 1 to 9 months): Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease and your lungs start to function better, lowering your risk of lung infection. 1 year Your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker’s. 5 years Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn’t smoke. 10 years Your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker’s. Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also decreases. 15 years Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who doesn’t smoke. So quit smoking now or die trying !