Vasospastic Disorder

What Is a Vasospastic Disorder?

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.

Vasospastic disorder risk factors and causes

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.

• Primary Raynaud's syndrome is more common in women than in men.
• Secondary Raynaud's is more common in men and often points to another disorder.

Vasospastic disorder causes

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:

• Arterial disease
• Connective tissue disorders
• Some neurologic or endocrine problems

Vasospastic disorder complications

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:

• Chronic pernio, in which people who have had damage to their limbs from extreme cold still feel symptoms.
• Livedo reticularis, which is a bluing of the skin.

For an appointment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, complete a vascular surgery appointment request form or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI.