A study among Chinese women finds a link between secondhand smoke and peripheral arterial disease. Peripheral arterial disease affects the Arteries of the legs and can lead to amputation. In previous studies, a link was also noted between secondhand smoke, heart disease and Stroke.

The Chinese men smoke far more frequently than Chinese women, according to study author Dr. Yao He of the Chinese PLA General Hospital.

The study involved more than 1200 Chinese women over the age of 60. During the study, 477 women reported the presence of secondhand smoke in the home or in the work area during the last two year or more.

The increase in peripheral arterial disease measured 67%, Heart attack measured 69% and stroke measured 59%.

The researchers also found a link between the amount of secondhand smoke and the duration of the exposure to the increased risk levels.

As a result of the study, researchers associated with the study are calling for public health changes to prevent the exposure to secondhand smoke.