What are the vertical lines on your fingernails?

Answer 1

Can be caused by cardiac disease or malnutrition.

Vertical nail ridges, which extend from your cuticle to the tip of your nail are fairly common and often become more numerous as you age. Vertical ridges in your nails are NOT a health concern. Although the exact cause of such ridging isn't known, heredity may play a role.

If your fingernails change color or develop horizontal (side to side) not vertical (up and down) ridges, see your doctor. These changes may indicate underlying health problems, such as respiratory or Heart disease. But most likely the cause is either malnutrition, aging or mild Arthritis.

Brittle nails signify possible iron deficiency and thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, and circulation problems.

Yellow nails can indicate internal disorders long before other symptoms appear. Some of these are problems with the lymphatic system, respiratory disorders, Diabetes, and liver disorders.

Nails that chip, peel, crack, or break easily show a nutritional deficiency and insufficient hydrochloric acid and protein. Minerals are also needed. Brittle, soft, shiny nails without a moon may indicate an overactive thyroid. White lines across the nail may indicate a liver disease. White lines horizontally show possible heart disease, high fever, or arsenic poisoning. Nails separated from the nail bed may signify a thyroid disorder.

Nails raised at the base ("clubbing") with small white ends show a respiratory disorder such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. ("Clubbing" with lung disorders is one condition of the nails that is recognized by Standard Medicine.)

Ridges can signify a possible infection such as the flu.

Downward curved nail ends may denote heart, liver, or respiratory problems.

Ridges running up and down the nails indicate a tendency to develop arthritis.

Lack of vitamin A and calcium causes dryness and brittleness.

Vitamin B deficiency causes fragility, with horizontal and vertical ridges.

Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 leads to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved nail ends, and darkened nails.

White bands can indicate protein deficiency.