While the body heals naturally after quitting smoking, smoking harms overall health and affects the heart. But when you quit smoking and go cold turkey, it still takes a long time for your body to fully recover. recently to work Led by Seung Yong Shin, MD, PhD, of Korea University Ansan Hospital, a study of 5.3 million people was conducted in South Korea to understand how long it takes for a person’s heart to recover after quitting smoking.

The research addresses the idea that not all smoking histories are created equal. People take their own individual time to recover after quitting smoking. For some it may take years, for others it may take decades.

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The research focuses on the number of pack-years smoked. Pack years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes a person has smoked by the number of years they have smoked.

The study observed that the heart health of light smokers who did not reach the eight pack-year threshold reached that of a nonsmoker five to ten years after quitting. But smokers’ heart health risks may match those of non-smokers about 25 years after quitting.

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Results of the study

The research was carried out by a comprehensive analysis of the health records of 5 million 391 thousand 231 people in South Korea, who are predominantly male and whose average age is 45.8 years old. These participants were followed for an average of 4.2 years and recorded health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Their smoking history, number of cigarettes per day, and when they quit smoking were also recorded.

The research revealed the devastating effects of smoking on health. It has been observed that people with 30 pack years have twice the risk of heart disease compared to people who have never smoked.

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The research is a wake-up call

This study challenges the idea that health improves immediately after quitting smoking. In fact, it takes a long time for the body to heal naturally after quitting smoking. The study helps us understand the long-term impact of smoking and the time it takes for the body to recover.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.