Raynauds

  I am looking for information on Raynauds phenomenon: What causes it? What is the treatment? I have been told it is caused by low blood pressure and by overactive arteries. One suggested treatment was verapamil (for high blood pressure). I have low blood pressure and am worried verapamil would take it dangerously lower. Please help! Thanks!
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Raynauds syndrome is characterized by episodic painful blanching of the fingers and is thought to be caused by digital artery spasm. It was first described by Raynaud in 1862. Over half of the patients with this have some underlying systemic disease such as a connective tissue disorder. Local trauma such as pneumatic drills can induce the symptoms. Certain drugs can also induce symilar problems as well as vascular thoracic outley syndrome. Treatment is aimed at prevention of precipitating factors. Surgery has been tried on the sympathetic truck with variable and generally not very effective results. Calcium channel blockers have been used  such as verapamil in some patients but can affect the blood pressure.  medications aimed at affecting prostaglandins are also being explored due to there vasodilating effects. Good luck
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.