I also have Raynauds (primary) and it's more of a nuisance than a serious health problem. Secondary means someone has Raynauds but also has a different autoimmune issue going on like Lupus, Sjogren's, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Is she seeing a rheumatologist? I can't imagine primary being a big problem except for the color changes, sensitivity to cold and stress and often some skin conditions due to the poor circulation. If she has secondary, then yes, she may have something more serious going on.
She may need some time to feel comfortable sharing with you whatever it is that's going on. My DIL was diagnosed with lupus and her boyfriend left. That's OK because then my son met her, fell in love with her, lupus and all, and they're happily married and doing well.
I have done a little copy and paste for you and hope this helps:
"Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers, toes, tip of your nose and your ears — to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas.
Women are more likely to have Raynaud's disease. It's also more common in people who live in colder climates.
Treatment of Raynaud's disease depends on its severity and the presence of associated conditions. For most people, Raynaud's disease is more a nuisance than a disability.
There are 2 types of Raynaud's and these are the types:
"Primary Raynaud's. This is Raynaud's without an underlying disease or associated medical problem that could provoke vasospasm. Also called Raynaud's disease, it's the most common form of the disorder.
Secondary Raynaud's. Also called Raynaud's phenomenon, this form is caused by an underlying problem. Although secondary Raynaud's is less common than the primary form, it tends to be a more serious disorder. Signs and symptoms of secondary Raynaud's usually first appear at later ages — around 40 — than they do for people with the primary form of Raynaud's."
Causes of Secondary Raynaud's are numerous. I have Raynaud's and also suffer with vasospasms of my coronary arteries. Somehow I think the 2 are linked. Both deal with the smaller vessels going into a spasm.
Your girlfriend would have to reveal to you which type and the cause in order to fully understand her condition.
Take care, Ally