Cold hands and color changes in the fingers are a familiar annoyance for some, but for people with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), these sensations can strike even in mild weather. When blood flow to the extremities — usually the fingers — suddenly drops, they can turn white or blue, as if caught in a wintry chill. Raynaud’s can also reduce blood flow to the ears, nose, toes, and other parts of the body far from the heart. Also known as Raynaud’s syndrome, RP affects about 5 percent of people in the United States, with severity varying from person to person.

Many people with pulmonary hypertension (PH) — high blood pressure in the right side of the heart and lungs — may wonder how Raynaud’s disease affects the heart. Although there isn’t evidence that RP causes high blood pressure or heart disease, people with heart disease should let their doctors know if they have Raynaud’s. Some medications used to treat heart disease may worsen RP. Learn more about the connection between Raynaud’s and heart conditions and tips for managing symptoms.

What Is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition characterized by vasospasms — episodes that cause the blood vessels to narrow. RP symptoms usually develop when people are exposed to cold temperatures, stress, or anxiety. Fingers or other affected areas turn white or blue because narrowed blood vessels stop blood from flowing to these areas.

Raynaud’s can be divided into two categories: primary Raynaud’s syndrome and secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Primary Raynaud’s syndrome accounts for the majority of cases and occurs without a specific cause. Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome is often linked to Raynaud’s comorbidities (having two or more conditions at the same time), including autoimmune and connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis.

Raynaud’s is also linked to environmental risk factors such as cigarette smoking, exposure to chemicals, or cold climates. Other triggers can include some pharmaceutical drugs, repetitive movements, or injury.

Symptoms of Raynaud’s Phenomenon

The most common symptoms of Raynaud’s include;

• Affected areas, typically the fingers and toes, that have color changes, such as white or blue, due to reduced blood flow
• Affected areas that feel cold, numb or painful (a pins-and-needles sensation)
• Extremities turning red and starting to throb, tingle, or burn as as blood flow returns to them

What Problems Can Raynaud’s Cause?

Primary Raynaud’s is generally not serious, although it can be bothersome and interfere with everyday activities. Secondary RP can lead to ulcers (open wounds) and in very severe cases may lead to gangrene (tissue death).

How Is Raynaud’s Phenomenon Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination to rule out any other medical problems that could be causing dysfunction in blood vessels. After the physical, your doctor may perform a painless test called a nailfold capillaroscopy. During the procedure, your doctor will look at the capillaries near your nails under a microscope to see if they look healthy.

Test results will be normal for those with primary Raynaud’s and abnormal for those with secondary Raynaud’s. If your result points to the abnormalities of secondary Raynaud’s, your doctor will likely order blood and urine tests to check for the underlying cause.

How Does Raynaud’s Phenomenon Affect myPHteam Members?

Members of myPHteam often discuss how Raynaud’s symptoms affect them. Members have shared:

• “At 70 degrees, I am a popsicle!”
• “The tips of my fingers are hypersensitive due to Raynaud’s.”
• “A pulse oximeter can’t read my oxygen because of the Raynaud’s.”
• “The pain is so intense.”
• “I had an early retirement due to Raynaud’s.”
• “Raynaud’s is my biggest pain. I carry hot packs and wear gloves. I look silly since I live in Los Angeles, California.”

How Are Raynaud’s Phenomenon and High Blood Pressure Related?

Raynaud’s doesn’t directly cause high blood pressure in the lungs, but the two conditions may be connected. Secondary Raynaud’s is often linked to other conditions like PH. Some doctors believe that diseases that constrict blood vessels, such as Raynaud’s and pulmonary hypertension, may have some related causes.

Raynaud’s and high blood pressure may also be linked through medication. Beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, may be one of the causes of secondary Raynaud’s. If you think beta-blockers are worsening Raynaud’s symptoms, talk to your doctor about switching your medication.

Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, is another potential link between high blood pressure and Raynaud’s disease. Scleroderma can lead to a variety of symptoms including Raynaud’s disease and PH. Scleroderma can lead to serious complications including pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries to the lungs) and permanent damage to the tissue in the fingertips.

Treating Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Pulmonary Hypertension Together

Because these two conditions share similar symptoms and causes, some of the treatment options are the same. Both conditions can benefit from lifestyle changes like keeping your body warm, avoiding caffeine and smoking, and not taking medications that constrict the blood vessels. However, the course of treatment varies for both conditions and depends on your specific symptoms.

You may also have comorbidities that may occur alongside RP and PH that need treatment. This can include blood clots, cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver tissue), congenital heart disease, or connective tissue disease.

How Is Raynaud’s Phenomenon Managed?

Depending on how severe the symptoms are, RP may be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures.

Lifestyle Changes

Making a few lifestyle changes can help you better manage your RP. Dressing in layers and wearing insulated clothing — especially gloves or using pocket warmers to keep your fingers toasty — may help ease your symptoms.

Quitting smoking is also a first step toward better RP management. This will help you normalize your blood pressure and keep your body temperature higher.

Medication

Some people living with RP need blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers or angiotensin II receptor blockers to increase blood flow to affected areas. This is something to discuss with your doctor if you feel lifestyle changes aren’t enough or if you are still struggling with Raynaud’s symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that relax your blood vessels or topical creams that can ease symptoms.

Surgery and Medical Procedures

There are two primary types of procedures your doctor may recommend if the above solutions aren’t enough to manage your Raynaud’s symptoms. The first procedure is nerve surgery, in which the doctor cuts the nerves that control the narrowing and opening of blood vessels in your affected hands and feet. This can lead to fewer and shorter episodes of Raynaud’s.

The second procedure is a chemical injection. Injecting a local anesthetic or Botox can block the nerves controlling vasoconstriction. This option is less invasive than surgery, but it is not a permanent fix. You might require routine treatments if symptoms return or worsen.

Talk With Your Doctor

If you’re living with Raynaud’s phenomenon and have concerns about its impact on your health or connections to conditions like high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you identify any related issues, adjust medications if needed, and find treatments that work for you. Early care can make it easier to manage your symptoms and stay healthy.

Find Your Team

On myPHteam, the social network for people with pulmonary hypertension and their loved ones, more than 56,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with pulmonary hypertension.

Are you living with Raynaud’s phenomenon and pulmonary hypertension? What symptoms do you have? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.