What is the significance of vertical ridges in fingernails?

Vertical ridges observed on fingertips are predominately caused by growing older. The medical term onychorrhexis is used to describe long, tiny, raised lines that run up and down the length of the nail.

Vertical lines found on the fingernails are not usually large enough of a concern to consult a doctor. Horizontal indents in the fingernail is, however, a cause for concern. The two are commonly confused with each other. The latter nail condition is caused by diseases that have an affect on the entire body, including malnutrition, heart attack, severe infections and disturbances within the metabolic state of the body.