Smoking’s lingering impact: How long does heart take to heal?

SEOUL: Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, but how long does it really take for your heart to recover? A groundbreaking study has revealed surprising insights into how smoking impacts cardiovascular health long after the habit is kicked.
According to researchers, smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs—it takes a heavy toll on your heart, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Even after quitting, the legacy of smoking can linger, with the extent of recovery depending on how long and how heavily someone smoked.
The South Korean study, published in JAMA, analyzed data from over 4 million never-smokers and more than 100,000 ex-smokers. It showed that the risks are “dose-dependent”—light smokers can see health improvements fairly quickly, but heavy smokers may face a longer journey to recovery.
The toxins in tobacco, such as tar, carbon monoxide, and nicotine, wreak havoc on blood vessels, impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. This damage not only reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs but also increases blood pressure and heart rate, further straining the cardiovascular system.
Heart-related diseases account for nearly half of all smoking-related illnesses in the UK, claiming around 78,000 lives annually. Despite declining smoking rates in recent decades, with only one in eight adults now smoking compared to nearly half in the 1970s, the long-term effects on former smokers remain significant.
Health experts emphasize the importance of early cessation to minimize damage and accelerate recovery. As the data shows, the earlier you quit, the better your chances of closing the gap with never-smokers in terms of heart health.