The positive effect of smoking cessation becomes noticeable within a short period of time, according to a new study.
The study found that compared to individuals who continue smoking, the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke is reduced by more than 40% already within the first five
years after the last cigarette.
Professor Hermann Brenner and colleagues analysed the data of 8,807 individuals aged between 50 and 74 using data of Saarland citizens.
“We were able to show that the risk of smokers for cardiovascular diseases is more than twice that of non-smokers. However, former smokers are affected at almost the same low rate as people of the same age who never smoked,” said Brenner.
“Moreover, smokers are affected at a significantly younger age than individuals who have never smoked or have stopped smoking,” he added.