Raynaud's Disease | Diagnosis & Treatment

Healthcare providers can typically diagnose Raynaud’s syndrome from your symptoms. Your provider may ask you to take photos of your skin changes when they happen. Your provider may also perform a physical exam and talk with you about your medical and family history.

Raynaud’s syndrome is usually easy to diagnose. But it may not be obvious whether you have the primary or secondary form. That’s where diagnostic testing can help.

What tests diagnose Raynaud’s syndrome?

Several diagnostic tests can help determine if you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s syndrome.

One test that’s particularly useful is a nailfold capillaroscopy. For this test, your provider places a drop of oil on your skin at the base of your fingernail. This spot is called your nailfold. Your provider then looks at your nailfold under a microscope. If your capillaries in the area are enlarged or abnormal, you may have a connective tissue disease. This would indicate you likely have secondary Raynaud’s syndrome.

Other tests your provider may order include:

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: Blood test that checks for autoimmune diseases.
Complete blood count (CBC): Blood test that checks for a range of conditions.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test: Blood test that detects inflammation in your body. Helps diagnose rheumatoid and autoimmune disorders, among other conditions.
Urinalysis: Urine test that checks for a range of conditions.
Pulse volume recording: Noninvasive test that checks blood flow in your arms and legs.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) test: Blood test that checks for autoimmune diseases.

These tests can help your provider identify or rule out underlying conditions as causes of your Raynaud’s symptoms.

Who treats Raynaud’s syndrome?

You may receive care from healthcare providers in different specialties. That’s because Raynaud’s syndrome can affect your body in many ways. It can also result from a wide range of medical conditions. Providers who may help with your diagnosis and treatment include:

Cardiologists.
Dermatologists.
Primary care physicians.
Rheumatologists.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

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.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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