Heart Health Recovery Takes Decades After Quitting

New research indicates that individuals who smoke as few as two to five cigarettes per day face more than double the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 60% increased risk of death from any cause compared to non-smokers. This study, which tracked over 320,000 adults in the US for two decades, highlights the profound long-term impact of smoking on heart health.

The findings suggest that even after quitting, the body's recovery process is lengthy. It could take 30 years or more for former smokers to reach the same health level as those who have never smoked. While immediate cessation of smoking significantly reduces health risks, the cumulative damage to the cardiovascular system requires decades for substantial repair.

Cardiologists explain that nicotine, a key component in cigarettes, is toxic to the heart. It thickens the blood, promotes clotting, and damages the lining of blood vessels, leading to inflammation and blockages. Furthermore, nicotine causes the release of adrenaline, elevating heart rate and blood pressure, which puts constant stress on the heart. Carbon monoxide in smoke also impairs the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, forcing the heart to work harder.