Knowra Raynaud syndrome Raynaud syndrome Raynaud syndrome is a condition in which cold or emotional stress triggers temporary narrowing of small blood vessels, reducing blood flow most often to the fingers or toes.
Vasospasm : A sudden, temporary narrowing of a blood vessel caused by contraction of its muscular wall. Raynaud attacks are episodic vasospasms, commonly triggered by cold or stress.
Primary Raynaud phenomenon : Raynaud attacks occurring without an identified underlying disease or structural vascular cause. This common form is generally less likely than secondary disease to cause tissue injury.
Cold avoidance : Measures that reduce exposure to cold, such as layered clothing and warming the hands before handling chilled objects. Reducing cold exposure can prevent or lessen common attacks.
Peripheral artery disease : A disorder in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, usually to the legs. It causes more persistent circulation problems, unlike the usually reversible attacks of Raynaud syndrome.
Endothelium : The thin layer of cells lining blood vessels, regulating vascular tone, clotting, and exchange with surrounding tissues. Endothelial signaling helps regulate the vessel constriction and dilation disrupted during attacks.
Secondary Raynaud phenomenon : Raynaud attacks associated with another condition, medication, or occupational exposure. An underlying cause can make attacks more severe and increase the risk of ulcers or tissue damage.
Calcium channel blocker : A medication that reduces calcium entry into cells, relaxing vascular smooth muscle and lowering blood pressure. Nifedipine and related drugs can reduce attack frequency by relaxing digital arteries.
Erythromelalgia : A rare disorder causing episodic burning pain, warmth, and redness, usually in the hands or feet. Its attacks are often triggered by heat and improve with cooling, opposite to the typical cold trigger.
Sympathetic nervous system : The autonomic nervous system division that coordinates rapid responses such as increased heart rate and vascular constriction. Cold and stress activate sympathetic signals that can provoke digital vessel constriction.
Systemic sclerosis : An autoimmune connective-tissue disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities affecting skin and internal organs. Raynaud phenomenon can precede other signs of this important secondary cause.
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