Vasospastic disorders — including Raynaud’s syndrome — affect the small blood vessels near the surface of the skin, limiting blood flow.
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Vasospastic disorders are conditions where small blood vessels near the surface of the skin have spasms that limit blood flow.
Your doctor may call this vasoconstriction. In most cases, it's temporary.
A common vasospastic disorder is Raynaud's syndrome, which affects the hands and feet, making them feel cold.
The spasms that cause vasoconstriction are often temporary, although they may occur frequently.
Sometimes certain drugs can cause the condition, including beta-blockers and estrogen therapy.
Other conditions that may underlie vasospastic disorders include:
Anyone can get a vasospastic disorder.
Sometimes, it's only temporary and doesn't cause permanent damage.
Other times, a vasospastic disorder may suggest another underlying condition in the vascular system.
In Raynaud's syndrome, your fingers and toes may feel abnormally cold or numb. They also may turn blue, red, or white.
Other vasospastic disorders include:
Vasospastic disorders are mostly temporary. Your skin may change color and become numb, but permanent damage is rare.
Symptoms of a vasospastic disorder include:
In more serious conditions that have caused vasospastic disorders, blood clots may form in the arteries. Blood clots may need further treatment.
Your doctor will examine you and ask about the frequency, severity, and length of your symptoms.
He or she may order tests such as:
Depending on your condition, vasospastic disorder treatment may include lifestyle changes such as:
If your vasospastic disorder is a symptom of another vascular system problem, your doctor may suggest further treatment.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
