If a person quits smoking for 15 years then risk from the habit can significantly reduce, finds a new research.

Researchers said the reduced risks were found similar to those who have never smoked. It is great news for all smokers, but researchers said that those who smoke at least a pack a day for 32 years, considered as heavy smokers, still face an increased risk.

Dr. Ali Ahmed, from the Washington DC VA Medical Center, said people should curb smoking and it is best to do it as early as they can. "While all individuals who quit smoking will benefit from a decreased chance of death, to achieve the full complement of health benefits of smoking cessation of one who has never smoked, smokers need to smoke less and quit early", said Dr. Ahmed.

For the research, the team used the ongoing Cardiovascular Health Study of adults aged above 65 years. They assessed data from 2,556 people who have never smoked; 629 current smokers and 1,297 former smokers who had quite at least 15 years earlier.

Out of those who had quit, 312 were heavy smokers. After a follow-up of 13 years, around 21% of never smokers and 21% of former smokers faced heart failure. In the case of heavy smokers, 30% suffered heart failure.

When all the factors were included like sex, race, education and other health and medical conditions, current smokers were around 50% more likely to have heart failure than never smokers and former smokers.

Current smokers were twice likely to die from any reason in comparison to never smokers and former smokers. Heavy smokers were around 26% more chances than never smokers to due. When a person gives up smoking, buildup of plaque and risk of blood of clots decreases.