Now, on the basis of assessment of content of nicotine in toenails prediction of the risk of heart disease among women is possible, says a new study. The new breakthrough study carried by University of California, San Diego, USA, establishes that use of toenail nicotine is a novel way to objectively measure exposure to tobacco smoke and could become a useful test to identify high-risk individuals in the future.

 

According to the research team though there are existing tests for the presence of nicotine in the body, for example testing the amount of nicotine breakdown products in saliva or urine, but they only reflect recent exposure to cigarette smoke. This new test will lead for longer-term estimate said one researcher.

 

The study was carried on more than 62,000 women. The researchers analyzed that test can bring out more accurate results than simply asking a person about their smoking history. This study confirms to the established fact that smoking leads to heart disease. Dr. Al Delaimy of the research team said that because toenails grow slowly, they might offer long-term estimate of a person’s total exposure to tobacco smoke.