When Will Your Health Risks Go Back To Normal After Quitting Smoking?
Just quit smoking? This is how long it will take for your risks of major diseases to health drop back to normal
A recent study has revealed that the risk of heart disease for former smokers may remain high for decades, taking up to 25 years to return to that of a non-smoker.
This finding sheds light on the long-lasting impact smoking has on the heart and highlights the importance of quitting sooner rather than later.
The Lingering Impact of Smoking on Heart Health
Smoking has long been linked to severe damage to the heart. According to the British Heart Foundation, around 15,000 heart disease deaths per year in the UK are caused by smoking.
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This new research, conducted in South Korea, confirms that it could take up to 25 years after quitting for a former smoker’s heart health to resemble that of a never-smoker.
Heavy Smokers at High Risk Even After Quitting
The study found that heavy smokers—those who smoked for more than eight years—face a similar risk of heart attack or stroke as current smokers, even after quitting.
This group may need as long as 25 years for their heart disease risk to reduce to normal levels. This dose-dependent effect means that the longer and heavier a person smokes, the more time it takes for their heart health to recover.
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The Study: Examining 4 Million Participants
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), this study analyzed data from over 100,000 former smokers and more than 4 million non-smokers.
The researchers tracked various details, including the age when the participants started smoking, the number of cigarettes smoked daily, and the age when they quit.
The findings emphasize that while light smokers see their heart disease risk decrease more quickly, heavy smokers endure a prolonged recovery period.
The Hidden Dangers of Smoking’s Toxic Chemicals
Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, including tar, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to cardiovascular diseases.
Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, elevates heart rate and blood pressure, while carbon monoxide from smoking reduces oxygen levels in the body.
These toxins cause lasting harm to the heart, making recovery a lengthy process even after quitting.
Smoking and Heart Failure: The Devastating Connection
Smoking is a major cause of heart failure, which occurs when the heart can’t pump blood effectively due to muscle weakness.
With reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery, organs and tissues fail to function optimally, placing smokers at higher risk of heart disease and related illnesses.
