Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon or, simply, Raynaud's, is a disorder characterized by decreased blood flow - usually to the fingers, and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. Vascular spasms usually occur as attacks in response to cold exposure or emotional upset.
Raynaud's can occur alone or may occur with other diseases. The diseases most frequently associated with Raynaud's are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases, among others, such as the following:
- systemic lupus erythematous (lupus)
- scleroderma
- CREST syndrome (calcium skin deposits, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasis)
- Buerger's disease
- Sjögren's syndrome
- rheumatoid arthritis
- occlusive vascular disease
- polymyositis
- cryoglobulinemia
The exact cause of Raynaud's is unknown. One theory links blood disorders characterized by increased platelets or red blood cells that may increase the blood thickness. Another theory involves the special receptors in the blood that control the constriction of the blood vessels being more sensitive in individuals with Raynaud's.
A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases have different risk factors.
Although these factors can increase a person's risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop a disease, while others develop the disease and have no known risk factors.
But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.
There are certain diseases or lifestyle choices that can increase a person's risk for developing Raynaud's. These risk factors include the following:
- existing connective tissue or autoimmune disease
- cigarette smoking (in men)
- alcohol use (in women)
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) - a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along with acid secretion) damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers.
The following are the most common symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- a pattern of color changes in the fingers as follows: pale/white followed by blue then red when the hands are warmed; color changes are usually preceded by exposure to cold or emotional upset
- hands may become swollen and painful when warmed
- ulcerations of the finger pads develop (in severe cases)
- gangrene may develop in the fingers leading to amputation (in about 10 percent of the severe cases)
There are no specific laboratory tests that can confirm a diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. Instead, diagnosis is usually based on reported symptoms. Your physician may perform a cold challenge test to bring out color changes in the hands.
Specific treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your signs and symptoms
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
- expectation for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Although there is no cure for Raynaud's phenomenon, the disorder can often be successfully managed with proper treatment. Treatment may include:
- preventative measures such as wearing gloves or avoiding cold exposure
- smoking cessation
- wearing finger guards over ulcerated fingers
- avoiding trauma or vibration to the hand (such as vibrating tools)
- medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure (antihypertensive medications) may be given during the winter months (to help reduce constriction of the blood vessels)
Individuals who first experience Raynaud's phenomenon in their 40s may be tested for an underlying disease. The primary form of Raynaud’s is the most common type. It is less severe, and few people with this form develop another related condition.
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Heart Center
|
