What is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?

About Raynaud’s Phenomenon

• It is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow, restricting blood vessels .
• The episodes or “attacks” usually affect the fingers and toes. 
• In rare cases, attacks occur in other areas such as the ears or nose. 
• An attack usually happens from exposure to cold or emotional stress.
• During a Raynaud’s attack, the arterioles and capillaries in your fingers and toes tighten more than they should. 
• Types of Raynaud’s:This condition is named for the French doctor who first identified it in 1862. You may hear it called by many names. There are two types:
• Primary Raynaud’s(or Raynaud’s disease): 
  • It happens without any other illness behind it. 
  • The symptoms are often mild.
• Secondary Raynaud’s (Raynaud’s syndrome, Raynaud’s phenomenon): 
  • It results from another illness. 
  • It’s often a condition that attacks your body’s connective tissues, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. 
  • It’s less common, but it’s more likely to cause serious health problems. This can include things like skin sores and gangrene. These happen when cells and tissue in your toes and fingers die from lack of blood.
  • In most people, lifestyle changes such as staying warm keep symptoms under control, but in severe cases, repeated attacks lead to skin sores or gangrene (death and decay of tissue). 
  • The treatment depends on how serious the condition is and whether it is the primary or secondary form.

Q1) What are arterioles?

Arterioles are considered the primary resistance vessels as they distribute blood flow into capillary beds. Arterioles provide approximately 80% of the total resistance to blood flow through the body and are considered vital regulators of hemodynamics, contributing to the upstream pressure and the regional distribution of blood.

Source: Study finds genetic causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon

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