March 13th is National No Smoking Day. When you decide to kick the smoking habit, you'll notice health benefits almost instantly!
No matter when you decide to quit smoking, it's never too late.
With the right kind of support, quitting smoking is achievable no matter how long you have been doing it. There are many free tools available on the NHS and handy tips designed to keep you on track.
Quit smoking on National No Smoking Day and see immediate benefits!
Quitting smoking has so many benefits to your heart and other organs.
After just 20 minutes Go ahead, check your pulse rate. It is already returning to normal!
After 72 hours You'll notice you can breathe easier. Your energy will be increasing.
In 2 to 12 weeks Your heart and muscles will experience a significant boost as the blood flows more efficiently through your body. This improvement occurs thanks to the enhanced circulation.
Between 3 to 9 months Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%.
1 year onwards Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker's.
Does smoking affect your blood pressure?
Smokers can be more at risk of having high blood pressure. Untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
High blood pressure doesn't normally have symptoms. The only way to know if yours is high is to get a check. For those who are 40 years old or over, live in England and haven’t had a BP check in the last 6 months, you can get yours checked for free at your local pharmacy.
Alternatively you can check your blood pressure at home with one of our Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors.
High blood pressure can be managed through lifestyle changes or medication.
Want to talk to someone about quitting smoking?
Call the free National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only).
Talk to a trained adviser for advice and support.
Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 4pm