can heart disease cause raynauds

Causes

The survival rate at 10 years from diagnosis of the disease is around 80% , in fact, some people have periods of remission that last for many years. However, 13% of those affected, looks like the mixed connective tissue disease worsens and it can cause complications that can be fatal in a period of between six and 12 years.

Symptoms

Primary Raynaud syndrome is commonly treated with a calcium channel blocker. It often does not cause symptoms; however, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and heart failure.

Prevention

While Not Considered a Disability, Raynaud’s is Handicapped - Raynaud's Association While Not Considered a Disability, Raynaud’s is Handicapped Normally it’s patients who are considered disabled or handicapped, not the medical condition itself. But for Raynaud’s, it’s a different story: Read further to learn why Raynaud’s is handicapped.

Complications

Raynaud's disease

• Diagnosis. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. ...
• Treatment. Dressing for the cold in layers and wearing gloves or heavy socks usually are effective in dealing with mild symptoms of Raynaud's.
• Clinical trials. ...
• Lifestyle and home remedies. ...
• Alternative medicine. ...
• Preparing for your appointment. ...

What is the life expectancy of someone with Raynaud's disease?

Does Raynaud's cause high blood pressure?

Is Raynauds diesase considered a disability?

How to stop Raynaud disease?

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What underlying conditions can cause Raynaud's?

Also called Raynaud's phenomenon, this form is caused by an underlying problem....Causes of secondary Raynaud's include:Connective tissue diseases. ... Diseases of the arteries. ... Carpal tunnel syndrome. ... Repetitive action or vibration. ... Smoking. ... Injuries to the hands or feet. ... Certain medications.

Can Raynaud's be a symptom of something else?

Autoimmune conditions known to be associated with secondary Raynaud's include: scleroderma – a condition that causes hardening and thickening of the skin. rheumatoid arthritis – which causes joint pain and swelling. Sjogren's syndrome – where the immune system attacks the body's sweat and tear glands.

Is Raynaud's a circulatory disorder?

Raynaud's is a disorder of the blood vessels, generally in the fingers and toes. “When you are exposed to cold (e.g., cold weather, holding a glass of an iced drink), or in some individuals, emotional stress, the blood vessels narrow, keeping the blood from getting to the surface of the skin,” explains Paula S.

What organs does Raynaud's affect?

Raynaud phenomenon is a condition in which the body's normal response to cold or emotional stress is exaggerated, resulting in abnormal spasms (vasospasms) in small blood vessels called arterioles. The disorder mainly affects the fingers but can also involve the ears, nose, nipples, knees, or toes.

Does Raynaud's show up on blood test?

No one blood test can diagnose Raynaud's. Your doctor might order other tests, such as those that rule out diseases of the arteries, to help pinpoint a condition that can be associated with Raynaud's.

When should I be worried about Raynaud's?

See a GP if: your symptoms are very bad or getting worse. Raynaud's is affecting your daily life. your symptoms are only on 1 side of your body.

What medications should be avoided with Raynaud's?

People who experience Raynaud's should avoid medicines which reduce blood flow to the peripheries, such as: Serotonin receptor agonists, e.g triptans used to treat migraines. Ergots (Claviceps fungi derivatives), e.g. ergotamine used to treat migraines. Clonidine (which decreases cardiac output)

What foods to avoid if you have Raynaud's?

Some of the foods listed below may not be suitable for those on medication, pregnant people and those with other illnesses.Oily fish. ... Dark chocolate. ... Walnuts. ... Ginger. ... Blueberries. ... Unpeeled apples. ... Evening primrose oil.

What happens if you don't treat Raynaud's?

“If there is such low blood flow to the tissue that it doesn't get the necessary metabolites it needs to survive, some people can get gangrene, or some of the tissue on the fingertips and toes can even die,” says Robert Bolash, MD, a pain management specialist who treats people with severe Raynaud's.

Does Raynaud's affect life expectancy?

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.

What cancers cause Raynaud's?

Paraneoplastic Raynaud's phenomenon has been reported in sarcoma, lymphoma and leukaemia. Few case reports have been published on lung cancer. Raynaud's phenomenon is also associated with chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and gemcitabine.

What can Raynaud's be mistaken for?

Chilblains may be confused with Raynaud's as both conditions occur after exposure to cold, affect acral areas, and may cause associated pain and red or purple discoloration of the skin. Chilblains tends to present with more discrete acral lesions rather than the more even discoloration seen in Raynaud's [ 27 , 28 ].

What has similar symptoms to Raynaud's?

The diseases most often linked with Raynaud's are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases such as:Lupus (systemic lupus erythematous)Scleroderma.CREST syndrome (a form of scleroderma)Buerger disease.Sjögren syndrome.Rheumatoid arthritis.Occlusive vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.Polymyositis.More items...

Is Raynaud's a neurological disorder?

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.

Is Raynaud's related to rheumatoid?

Raynaud's syndrome has been linked to another inflammatory type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. Still, Raynaud's is less common in rheumatoid arthritis compared with other types of rheumatic diseases, such as lupus. Raynaud's phenomenon is a type of vasculitis.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's disease?

Signs and symptoms of Raynaud's disease include: Cold fingers or toes. Color changes in your skin in response to cold or stress. Numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain ...

What causes a person's arteries to narrow?

Symptoms. Raynaud's disease causes smaller arteries that supply blood flow to the skin to narrow in response to cold or stress. The affected body parts, usually fingers and toes, might turn white or blue and feel cold and numb until circulation improves, usually when you get warm. Signs and symptoms of Raynaud's disease include: ...

How to prevent Raynaud's attacks?

Prevention. To help prevent Raynaud's attacks: Bundle up outdoors. When it's cold, don a hat, scarf, socks and boots, and two layers of mittens or gloves before you go outside. Wear a coat with snug cuffs to go around your mittens or gloves, to prevent cold air from reaching your hands. Also use chemical hand warmers.

What is the disease that causes blood vessels to narrow?

In Raynaud's disease , smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin become narrow, limiting blood flow to affected areas (vasospasm). Women are more likely than men to have Raynaud's disease , also known as Raynaud's or Raynaud's phenomenon or syndrome. It appears to be more common in people who live in colder climates.

How to warm up car before driving in cold weather?

Warm your car. Run your car heater for a few minutes before driving in cold weather.

What are the most common triggers for an attack?

Cold temperatures are most likely to trigger an attack. Exposure to cold, such as putting your hands in cold water, taking something from a freezer or being in cold air, is the most likely trigger. For some people, emotional stress can trigger an episode.

Why do my hands and feet get cold?

Doctors don't completely understand the cause of Raynaud's attacks , but blood vessels in the hands and feet appear to overreact to cold temperatures or stress.

How do you know if you have Raynaud syndrome?

Symptoms of Raynaud Syndrome. Constriction of small arteries in the fingers and toes begins quickly, most often triggered by exposure to cold. It may last minutes or hours. The fingers and toes become pale (pallor) or bluish (cyanosis), usually in patches. Only one finger or toe or parts of one or more may be affected.

What causes arteries to constrict?

Anything that stimulates the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system , particularly exposure to cold but also strong emotion, can cause arteries to constrict and thus trigger primary Raynaud syndrome.

Why do my fingers feel numb?

Constriction of small arteries causes fingers (or toes) to become pale or bluish, numb, and tingle. Doctors can often make a diagnosis on the basis of the person’s symptoms. Keeping warm, avoiding smoking, and sometimes taking drugs may help. Doctors use the term Raynaud syndrome to refer to either.

What is the condition where the arteries narrow?

Raynaud syndrome, a functional peripheral arterial disease, is a condition in which small arteries (arterioles), usually in the fingers or toes, narrow (constrict) more tightly than normal in response to exposure to cold. Constriction of small arteries causes fingers (or toes) to become pale or bluish, numb, and tingle.

Why do my fingers and toes feel pale?

Constriction of small arteries in the fingers and toes begins quickly, most often triggered by exposure to cold. It may last minutes or hours. The fingers and toes become pale (pallor) or bluish (cyanosis), usually in patches. Only one finger or toe or parts of one or more may be affected. The fingers or toes usually do not hurt, but numbness, tingling, a pins-and-needles sensation, and a burning sensation are common. As the episode ends, the affected areas may be redder than usual or bluish. Rewarming the hands or feet restores normal color and sensation.

What does "no cause apparent" mean?

Primary, meaning no cause is apparent (also called Raynaud disease) Secondary, meaning a cause can be identified (also called Raynaud phenomenon) Doctors use the term Raynaud syndrome to refer to either.

What is the procedure to remove Raynaud syndrome?

Sympathectomy, a procedure in which certain sympathetic nerves may be temporarily blocked (by injection of a drug such as lidocaine) or even cut, may be used to relieve the symptoms of Raynaud syndrome if the disorder becomes progressively disabling and other treatments do not work.

Why do my fingers and toes go white?

This disorder is characterized by episodic spasms, called vasospastic attacks, which cause the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict (tighten or close) in response to temperature extremes, certain occupational exposures, or excitement. With Raynaud’s, the skin on the affected areas becomes white or bluish and cold or numb.

How does Raynaud's disease affect the fingers?

Some of these diseases reduce blood flow to the fingers and toes by causing the blood vessel walls to thicken and the vessels to constrict too easily . Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs in about 85 to 95 percent of patients with scleroderma and is present in about one-third of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

How do you know if you have cyanosis?

Other symptoms that occur during cyanosis are feeling cold and numbness. Rubor (redness) occurs as the blood returns to the affected areas. After an attack is over, throbbing and tingling may occur in the fingers and toes. Attacks of Raynaud's Phenomenon can last from less than a minute to several hours.

What does it mean when your capillaries are enlarged?

If the capillaries are enlarged or abnormal, this may indicate that the patient has a connective tissue disease. If the patient has symptoms suggesting secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, the doctor may order a complete blood count (CBC), a urinalysis, and chemistry profile.

What to do if a doctor suspects Raynaud's phenomenon?

If a doctor suspects Raynaud’s phenomenon, he or she will thoroughly evaluate the patient’s medical history and perform a complete physical exam to rule out other medical problems. Often, it is fairly easy to diagnose Raynaud’s, but more difficult to identify the form of the disorder.

What causes Raynaud's syndrome?

Other possible causes of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon include: Traumatic vasospasm from vibrating tools or repeated pounding with the palm of the hand (hyothenar hammer syndrome) Carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is secondary Raynaud's?

Secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon. Less common than the primary form, however, secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is often a more serious disorder. Secondary Raynaud’s is caused by an underlying disease or condition. It is especially common in people with connective tissue diseases. Some of these diseases reduce blood flow to the fingers ...

What is the myocardial perfusion index?

Researchers measured what is known as the myocardial perfusion reserve index, an indicator of how well blood is delivered to the heart. Both patient groups had lower blood perfusion measures in the heart muscle compared to healthy controls. Patients with Raynaud’s caused by other conditions also had a worse heart perfusion than those ...

What treatment was used for Raynaud's disease?

All patients were treated with calcium blockers for the Raynaud’s symptoms. Patients with secondary diseases also received treatment for their condition, including immunosuppressant medication. Using heart magnetic resonance imaging in combination with an adenosine stress test — a procedure that makes the heart arteries dilate — ...

What is the effect of Raynaud's phenomenon on the heart?

Patients with both primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon have an abnormally low blood penetration in the heart tissue, which likely explains the increased death rates from heart disease in these patients.

Does Raynaud's disease cause a reduction in myocardial perfusion reserve index?

Nevertheless, the team concluded that a reduction in myocardial perfusion reserve index seems to be common in both primary and secondary Raynaud’s patients, and seems more severe in the latter group even when patients are under treatment with calcium blockers.

Where is the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center?

Researchers at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center in Greece recruited 20 patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon and an equal number of controls and patients with secondary Raynaud’s. None of the patients in the study had heart disease symptoms.

Does Raynaud's disease affect the heart?

Along with the classical symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon affecting hands and feet, the condition has also been known to sometimes impact blood flow in the heart. This consequence of the disease has not been studied as much as the more common symptoms.

Is detecting heart disease a part of care management?

The findings suggest that detecting heart involvement in Raynaud’s patients should be a crucial part of care management, as adequat e treatment may delay or prevent heart disease.

What is secondary Raynaud's disease?

Secondary Raynaud's is linked to diseases and conditions that directly damage the arteries. The disorder also is linked to diseases and conditions that damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet.

What is Raynaud's disease?

Raynaud's is a rare disorder that affects the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to different parts of your body.

How to get rid of diabetes?

Get a grip on your fat. One of the most crucial things you can do in case you've got diabetes is to keep a healthy weight reduction. If you're overweight, talk to a registered dietitian about healthy ways to eliminate weight.

What chemicals can cause scleroderma?

Exposure to certain workplace chemicals can cause a scleroderma-like illness that's linked to Raynaud's. An example of this type of chemical is vinyl chloride, which is used in the plastics industry.

How long does it take for your fingers to return to normal temperature?

If you have Raynaud's, it may take more than 20 minutes for your fingers to return to their normal temperature.

How long does Raynaud's attack last?

Raynaud's attacks can last less than a minute or as long as several hours. Attacks can occur daily or weekly.

What causes Raynaud's attacks?

If you have primary or secondary Raynaud's, cold temperatures or stress can trigger "Raynaud's attacks." During an attack, little or no blood flows to affected body parts.

What is the best medication for calcium channel blockers?

Vasodilating calcium channel blockers (eg, extended-release nifedipine 60 to 90 mg orally once a day, amlodipine 5 to 20 mg orally once a day, felodipine 2.5 to 10 mg orally twice a day, or isradipine 2.5 to 5 mg orally twice a day) are most effective, followed by prazosin 1 to 5 mg orally once a day or twice a day.

What is Raynaud syndrome?

Raynaud syndrome is vasospasm of parts of the hand in response to cold or emotional stress, causing reversible discomfort and color changes (pallor, cyanosis, erythema, or a combination) in one or more digits. Occasionally, other acral parts (eg, nose, tongue) are affected. The disorder may be primary or secondary. Diagnosis is clinical; testing focuses on distinguishing primary from secondary disease. Treatment of uncomplicated cases includes avoidance of cold, biofeedback, smoking cessation, and, as needed, vasodilating calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine) or prazosin.

What color changes are clearly demarcated across the digit?

Color changes are clearly demarcated across the digit. They may be triphasic (pallor, followed by cyanosis and after warming by erythema due to reactive hyperemia), biphasic ( cyanosis, erythema), or uniphasic ( pallor or cyanosis only). Changes are often symmetric.

What is the treatment for Raynaud syndrome?

Calcium channel blockers or prazosin. Treatment of primary Raynaud syndrome involves avoidance of cold, smoking cessation , and, if stress is a triggering factor, relaxation techniques (eg, biofeedback) or counseling. Drugs are used more often than behavioral treatments because of convenience.

What is the name of the condition that causes a change in color in one or more digits?

Raynaud Syndrome. Raynaud syndrome is vasospasm of parts of the hand in response to cold or emotional stress, causing reversible discomfort and color changes (pallor, cyanosis, erythema, or a combination) in one or more digits. Occasionally, other acral parts (eg, nose, tongue) are affected. The disorder may be primary or secondary.

How common is Raynaud syndrome?

Primary Raynaud syndrome is much more common (> 80% of cases) than secondary;

Is clonidine contraindicated for Raynaud syndrome?

Beta-blockers, clonidine, and ergot preparations are contraindicated because they cause vasoconstriction and may trigger or worsen symptoms. Treatment of secondary Raynaud syndrome focuses on the underlying disorder. Calcium channel blockers or prazosin is also indicated, given as above for primary Raynaud syndrome.

What drugs are used to treat Raynaud's disease?

1. Cancer Drugs. Drugs used during chemotherapy have long been linked to Raynaud’s. Specifically, cisplatin and bleomycin were most likely to induce the phenomenon, the researchers found.

What is Raynaud's disease?

A recent literature review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology identified 12 total drug classes that can cause Raynaud’s disease, a syndrome in which blood vessels constrict more than normal in response to cold temperatures or stress.

What are the conditions that can damage the arteries?

Having certain diseases and conditions that can directly damage the arteries or nerves that control arteries, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Exposure to workplace chemicals, such as vinyl chloride. Smoking.

What are the risk factors for Raynaud's disease?

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the following risk factors may also play role in a patient’s odds of developing Raynaud’s: 1 Gender 2 Age 3 Family history 4 Living in cold temperatures 5 Having certain diseases and conditions that can directly damage the arteries or nerves that control arteries, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus 6 Exposure to workplace chemicals, such as vinyl chloride 7 Smoking

Does beta blocker cause Raynaud's?

Like chemotherapy agents, beta-blockers have long been associated with Raynaud’s because they slow heart rate and lower blood pressure, the researchers noted. 3. Migraine Medications. Migraine medications that contain ergotamine or sumatriptan have been associated with vasoconstriction and subsequently Raynaud’s.

Is Raynaud's a drug event?

Drug-induced Raynaud’s is a “probably underestimated drug event,” the review authors hypothesized. “Careful monitoring must be made and, if possible, alternative therapies that do not alter peripheral blood flow should be considered,” they advised.

Can amputation cause numbness?

The resultant lack of blood flow can cause numbness and pain. In rare cases, blood circulation to fingers and toes can permanently diminish, leading to deformities. In very extreme, untreated cases, amputation may be necessary.

Who gets Raynaud's?

Experts don't know why some people develop Raynaud's and others don't. Clearly these people have unusually strong reactions to cold. Beyond that it's still a medical mystery.

How do you know if you have Raynaud's disease?

Symptoms. Everyone's hands get cold from time to time. Raynaud's is different than just getting cold. The affected body part. When the spasm ends and the capillaries reopen, allowing blood to flow again, the finger, toe, or other body part turns pink or red. It may throb or tingle.

Why does air conditioning cause Raynaud's?

Air conditioning can do it for others. Some people develop Raynaud's symptoms in response to emotional stress. Named after the French physician who first described it in 1862, Raynaud's is caused by a problem in the body's arteries. In most people with Raynaud's, small arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to the fingers spasm ...

What is the name of the arteries that bring oxygen to the fingers?

In most people with Raynaud's, small arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to the fingers spasm and close down in response to cold or stress. This reduces or cuts off blood flow through these small arteries (known as capillaries). Without a steady supply of warm blood circulating through them, the tissue nourished by the affected capillaries ...

What happens to the body when the capillaries are warm?

Without a steady supply of warm blood circulating through them, the tissue nourished by the affected capillaries becomes pale. Raynaud's can also affect the nose, lips, ears, nipples, and other body parts. After the affected tissue warms up, the capillaries open and blood flow resumes. Raynaud's disease tends to first appear in a person's late ...

What medications can cause Raynaud's disease?

Culprits include beta blockers, some migraine medications, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications, some chemotherapy agents, and over-the-counter cold medications that constrict blood vessels.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's disease?

Secondary Raynaud's. Although less common than primary Raynaud's, this type tends to be more serious. The signs and symptoms are the same, but they are caused by some other health problem. These include: 1 a connective tissue disease such as scleroderma 2 lupus 3 rheumatoid arthritis 4 Sjögren's syndrome 5 cholesterol-clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) 6 carpal tunnel syndrome

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

• Raynaud's (ray-NOSE) disease causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin become narrow, limiting blood flow to affected areas (vasospasm). Women are more likely than men to have Raynaud's disea...

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Prevention