Previous studies had proven that smoking causes kidney damage among diabetics. But a new study found that smoking also is linked to kidney disease in people without the disease.

"This data might strongly indicate that smoking could be a major risk factor for kidney problems," said Dr. Sara Joan Pinto-Sietsma, author of the study.

The research was conducted on 7,500 people in the Netherlands. It revealed that smokers had concentrations of a protein called albumin in their urine, while non-smokers did not. "The presence of albumin in the urine reflects the fact that the vessels are damaged," Pinto-Sietsma said, "and those with damage to the vascular wall have a higher risk of stroke."

The study is published in the October Annals of Internal Medicine.

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