BCSE Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Quitting smoking leads to a variety of significant health benefits, one of which is the normalization of heart rate. When an individual smokes, nicotine causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This effect stresses the cardiovascular system. Upon cessation of smoking, the body begins to recuperate, resulting in a reduction of heart rate toward normal levels. This is particularly important as it helps reduce the overall cardiovascular risk associated with smoking, including the risk of heart disease.

The other options present outcomes typically associated with ongoing smoking rather than benefits from quitting. For instance, increased heart rate and immediate risk of myocardial infarction are both linked to active smoking rather than cessation. Additionally, decreased oxygen levels in the blood from continued smoking do not occur when smoking is discontinued; in fact, oxygen levels improve as the lungs begin to recover.