Overview
Raynaud’s (pronounced ray-nodes) syndrome is a disorder that affects small blood vessels in your fingers and toes. It may also affect blood vessels in your nose, lips or ear lobes. Raynaud’s causes you to have episodic spasms, called vasospastic attacks, in response to cold temperatures or stress.
During a Raynaud’s attack, the arterioles and capillaries in your fingers and toes tighten more than they should. As a result, your skin in the affected area turns white and then blue. This color change happens because your blood lacks oxygen. Your skin may also feel cold or numb. As your blood vessels relax and open up again, your skin may look red or feel tingly. An attack usually lasts around 15 minutes.
What are the different types of Raynaud’s syndrome?
There are two main types of Raynaud’s syndrome:
- Primary Raynaud’s syndrome (also called Raynaud’s disease).
- Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome (also called Raynaud’s phenomenon).
What is the difference between Raynaud’s disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon and Raynaud’s syndrome?
Most people use these terms interchangeably. But scientists use them to distinguish between primary and secondary forms of the condition.
- Raynaud’s disease: Occurs on its own and isn’t connected with another disease or condition. This is also called primary Raynaud’s syndrome.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon: Occurs due to an underlying condition, medication or lifestyle factor. This is also called secondary Raynaud’s syndrome.
- Raynaud’s syndrome: Refers to either the primary or secondary form of the condition.
Is Raynaud’s syndrome serious?
Primary Raynaud’s syndrome isn’t serious and doesn’t damage your blood vessels. It may disrupt some of your daily activities, but it’s not dangerous.
Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome can be more serious. It may lead to skin ulcers and, rarely, tissue death (gangrene). It may also impact your quality of life. The underlying disease causing it may be severe in and of itself.
Who does Raynaud’s syndrome affect?
Primary Raynaud’s syndrome usually affects:
- People assigned female at birth.
- People under age 30, often starting in the teenage years.
- People who have a family history of Raynaud’s disease.
Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome usually affects people who have another disease or condition. It can also affect people who perform a job that puts repetitive pressure on their hands. Here are some facts to know:
- About 9 in 10 people with scleroderma have Raynaud’s phenomenon. This may be the only scleroderma symptom they have for many years.
- About 1 in 3 people with lupus have Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- People with autoimmune conditions, especially connective tissue diseases, are at higher risk of Raynaud’s.
- People who use hand tools that vibrate (such as jackhammers or chain saws) face a higher risk of Raynaud’s phenomenon. The condition is also more common in pianists and keyboard operators.
How common is Raynaud’s syndrome?
Raynaud’s syndrome is common. Estimates vary, but Raynaud’s likely affects up to 1 in 20 people in the U.S.
How does Raynaud’s syndrome affect my body?
Raynaud’s syndrome is an exaggerated version of a normal body process called vasomotor response. Vasomotor response means your blood vessels open up (vasodilation) and tighten (vasoconstriction) to help your body respond to its environment.
For example, if it’s cold outside, blood vessels near your skin’s surface constrict to move blood to veins deeper in your body. This allows your body to conserve heat. Your blood vessels also constrict when you’re stressed to help your body save oxygen.
Raynaud’s disrupts this normal body process and causes your blood vessels to constrict more than they should. This interrupts your normal blood flow and limits the oxygen available to your fingers or toes.
How does Raynaud’s disease affect my heart?
Primary Raynaud’s syndrome doesn’t affect your heart. But conditions associated with secondary Raynaud’s syndrome may affect your heart. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn if your condition affects your heart.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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