Information on Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease, also referred to as primary Raynaud's, is a condition that inhibits arterial blood flow to the extremities. It primarily affects the fingers and toes, although the ears and nose can also be affected.

Cause

• The underlying cause of Raynaud's disease is unknown as of 2009. The physical cause of symptoms is a vasospasm, a temporary constriction of the arteries supplying blood to the extremities.

Triggers

• Vasospasms may be triggered by exposure to the cold, and even brief exposure to moderate cold can be sufficient to cause symptoms. Vasospasms may also be brought on by stress.

Symptoms

• The principal symptom of Raynaud's disease is a color change in the affected tissue. The tissue first turns white as blood flow is reduced, then to blue as oxygen is used up, and then to bright red as blood flow returns.

Treatments

• Treatment for Raynaud's disease typically begins with changes in lifestyle, such as stress reduction and avoiding the cold. A physician might also prescribe a vasodilator like nitroglycerin to help keep the arteries from closing in severe cases.

Demographics

• The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that "About 5 percent of the U.S. population has Raynaud's." It typically is first seen in those aged between 15 and 40 years and affects women more frequently than men.