What Is Raynaud's Disease?
Raynaud's disease and Raynaud's phenomenon are rare
disorders that affect blood vessels. These disorders are marked by brief
episodes of vasospasm (narrowing of the blood vessels). Vasospasm causes
decreased blood flow to the fingers and toes, and rarely to the nose, ears,
nipples, and lips. The fingers are the most commonly affected area, but the
toes also are affected in 40 percent of people with Raynaud's.
When this disorder occurs without any known cause,
it is called Raynaud's disease, or primary Raynaud's. When the condition occurs
along with a likely cause, it is known as Raynaud's phenomenon, or secondary
Raynaud's. Primary Raynaud's is more common and tends to be less severe than
secondary Raynaud's.
When you have primary or secondary Raynaud's, cold
temperatures or stressful emotions can trigger attacks. During these attacks,
there is a brief lack of blood flow to the affected body part(s), and the skin
can temporarily become white then bluish. As blood flow returns to the area,
the skin turns red. The affected areas can throb or feel numb and tingly. With
severe Raynaud's, prolonged or repeated episodes can cause sores or tissue
death (gangrene).
Figure A shows the normal digital
arteries with normal blood flow to the fingers. The inset images show
cross-sections of a normal artery. Figure B shows white discoloration of the
fingertips caused by blocked blood flow. Figure C shows narrowed digital
arteries, causing blocked blood flow and purple discoloration of the
fingertips. The inset images show cross-sections of a narrowed artery blocking
the flow of blood.
It is normal for the body to keep its vital inner
organs warm by limiting blood flow to the arms, legs, fingers, and toes. The
body naturally does this in response to a long period of cold. This response
can cause frostbite. In people with Raynaud's, the response to cold is quicker
and stronger. The response can be triggered by mild or short-lived changes in
temperature, such as:
- Taking something out of the freezer
- Temperatures that dip below 60 degrees
Fahrenheit
In people with Raynaud's, blood flow is more
strongly reduced in response to cold temperatures than in people without the
disorder. When Raynaud's is severe (which is uncommon), exposure to cold for as
little as 20 minutes can cause major tissue damage.
The blood vessels of people with Raynaud's also
physically overreact to stressful emotions. It is normal during times of
psychological stress for the body to release hormones that narrow its blood
vessels. But for people with Raynaud's, this squeezing of blood vessels is
stronger. This results in less blood reaching fingers, toes, and sometimes
other extremities.
Outlook
For most people, primary Raynaud's is more of a
bother than a serious illness and it can usually be managed with minor
lifestyle changes. Secondary Raynaud's can be more difficult to manage, but
several treatments may help prevent or relieve symptoms. Among the most
important treatments for secondary Raynaud's is treating of the underlying
condition.
June 2006
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