Quit smoking: your risk of heart disease drops so quickly!

Quit smoking: your risk of heart disease drops so quickly!

Smoking is not just a habit, but a serious health risk that kills around 127,000 people in Germany every year. Despite warnings about the dangers of respiratory disease, cancer and cardiovascular problems, many smokers ignore the alarming facts. A new study from South Korea has now shown how long it takes for the heart to recover after quitting smoking. According to researchers led by Jun Hwan Cho, who published their results in the journal “Jama Network Open”, the risk of cardiovascular disease only drops back to the level of non-smokers after many years, especially in heavy-smoking ex-smokers.

The study analyzed data from about 5.4 million people who underwent health checks between 2006 and 2008. The researchers divided the participants into three groups: current smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. They determined the smoking dose by calculating pack-years - a method that multiplies the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years a person has smoked. The results were alarming: Of 278,315 cases of cardiovascular disease that occurred through 2019, most were found among current smokers.

The frightening numbers

The incidence of cardiovascular disease was highest in current smokers at 6.03 per 1000 box-years, followed by ex-smokers at 4.68 and non-smokers at 3.37. The study clearly showed that the risk increases with the duration of smoking. Ex-smokers with fewer than eight box years have a similar risk as non-smokers. But for heavy ex-smokers, it can take up to 25 years for their risk to drop to the level of non-smokers, as Focus reported.

The researchers emphasize that although quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk, the cumulative smoking dose and the time since quitting are crucial. “If the smoke dose does not exceed a certain threshold, smokers can expect rapid health improvements,” say the scientists.

How the body recovers

The positive effects of quitting smoking can be felt after just a short time. According to the German Cancer Research Center, the body's oxygen supply improves after just a few hours. After 24 hours, the risk of a heart attack decreases, and after two to three days, the senses of smell and taste begin to regenerate. After two weeks to three months, blood circulation improves and lung function stabilizes, as Bayern 1.) reported.

After a month without cigarettes, cough and shortness of breath disappear and lung function continues to improve. The cilia in the airways regain their cleaning ability, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. The skin also benefits from quitting smoking, as blood circulation improves and skin aging is slowed down.

Support in quitting

For many smokers, quitting the addiction is a major challenge. Support in the form of group sessions or behavioral therapy can make the process much easier. Studies show that the success rate with professional help can be up to 60 percent. Smokers should therefore seek advice from doctors or health insurance companies to increase their chances of successfully quitting smoking.

In summary, the road to health after quitting smoking can be long, but the benefits are undeniable. Every step toward a smoke-free life is a step toward better health and longer lifespan. Those who stop can expect an average life extension of ten years. It's never too late to make the decision to live a healthier life!