The positive effects of smoking cessation begin within how many minutes of the last cigarette?

The positive effects of smoking cessation start quite rapidly after the last cigarette, with significant physiological changes occurring as soon as 20 minutes afterward. Within this timeframe, a person's heart rate and blood pressure begin to return to normal levels. This immediate response is part of the body’s natural healing process, indicating the beginning of recovery from the effects of smoking.

While some benefits of quitting smoking become more pronounced after longer periods, such as improved lung function and decreased risk of serious health issues, the initial changes 20 minutes post-cessation highlight how quickly the body can begin to heal from the effects of tobacco. Thus, selecting 20 minutes aligns with the established understanding of smoking cessation timelines and their associated health benefits.