Primary Raynaud's, where there is no known associated disease, is the most common form. Secondary Raynaud's is associated with diseases that affect the blood vessels, including a number of different types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), scleroderma, lupus or Sjogren's syndrome.
Key points about Raynaud's phenomenon Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers.
Primary Raynaud's(or Raynaud's disease) happens without any other illness behind it. The symptoms are often mild. Secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon) results from another illness. It's often a condition that attacks your body's connective tissues, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
There are two main types of the condition.Primary Raynaud's. Also called Raynaud's disease, this most common form isn't the result of an associated medical condition. ... Secondary Raynaud's. Also called Raynaud's phenomenon, this form is caused by an underlying problem.
Raynaud's phenomenon as a predictor of autoimmune rheumatic disease. Over 90% of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon are female and, at the time of presentation, are often aged under 25. Up to 5% of patients presenting with the condition eventually develop an autoimmune rheumatic disease.
Raynaud's is usually triggered by cold temperatures, anxiety or stress. The condition occurs because your blood vessels go into a temporary spasm, which blocks the flow of blood. This causes the affected area to change colour to white, then blue and then red, as the bloodflow returns.
To tell the difference between primary and secondary Raynaud's, your doctor might do a test called nailfold capillaroscopy. During the test, the doctor looks at the skin at the base of your fingernail under a microscope or magnifier to look for deformities or swelling of the tiny blood vessels.
There appears to be some confusion surrounding the definitions of Raynaud's disease and peripheral artery disease, PAD. We're here to correct that. Raynaud's syndrome is characterized by a spasm of the arteries in the extremities, especially the fingers; but sometimes includes the toes, ears, lips or tip of the nose.
Abnormalities of magnesium metabolism have been reported in people with Raynaud's disease. Symptoms similar to those seen with Raynaud's disease occur in people with magnesium deficiency, probably because a deficiency of this mineral results in spasm of blood vessels.
Raynaud's syndrome has been linked to another inflammatory type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis.
Raynaud's phenomenon is the short-term interruption of blood flow to the extremities, such as the fingers and toes. Raynaud's phenomenon may be a sign of an underlying autoimmune disorder such as scleroderma or lupus, so it's important to see your doctor for diagnosis.
In rare cases, Raynaud's can become severe. If it causes skin sores or gangrene—decay or death of body tissues—you may need antibiotics or surgery to remove the damaged tissue. In very serious cases, it might be necessary to remove the affected toe or finger. But don't panic—this is extremely rare.
Generally speaking, to qualify for disability, your Raynaud's syndrome must: Cause gangrene in two or more extremities. Include severe ulcerations on the toes or fingers which make it impossible to perform fine or gross motor movements effectively.
Under the broad definition, the median survival time was 11.0 years (95% CI: 10.0–12.1 years) for white subjects without RP, compared to 8.1 years (95% CI: 6.0–11.8 years) for white subjects with RP.
In rare cases, Raynaud's can become severe. If it causes skin sores or gangrene—decay or death of body tissues—you may need antibiotics or surgery to remove the damaged tissue. In very serious cases, it might be necessary to remove the affected toe or finger. But don't panic—this is extremely rare.
(People exposed to cold weather are well aware of these mechanisms.) Cold, of course, is the main trigger in Raynaud's phenomenon, although roughly one-third of patients experience it in response to stress and anxiety -- another indication that the condition is neurological and even psychological in origin.