How the body changes after your last cigarette 20–30 min: decreased blood pressure

8 hours: reduced carbon dioxide and increased oxygen in bloodstream

2 days: improved sense of smell and taste

2 weeks–3 months: improved circulation and lung function

1-9 months: reduced coughing and congestion; better overall energy

1 year: risk of heart disease cut in half

5 years: risk of stroke and cervical cancer reduced to level of nonsmoker; risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder cancer cut in half

10–15 years: risk of heart disease and death similar to nonsmoker

After getting a warning about heart health from his doctor, Malcolm has decided to end his 20 years of smoking. What will most likely be the state of his health in four years' time?

His health will be the same as that of a non-smoker.
He will be healthier but may still have problems, such as high blood pressure.
His health will be greatly improved, but he will still face risk for certain conditions.
His health will be slightly improved, but he will still have high risk of heart disease.