Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 89
A patient who has been diagnosed with vasospastic disorder (Raynaud’s disease) complains of cold and stiffness in the fingers. Which of the following descriptions is most likely to fit the patient?
A. An adolescent male
B. An elderly woman
C. A young woman
D. An elderly man
Correct Answer: C. A young woman
Raynaud’s disease is most common in young women and is frequently associated with rheumatologic disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Secondary Raynaud phenomenon is associated with different etiologies. It is most commonly associated with connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome, and antiphospholipid syndrome.
Option A: Primary Raynaud phenomenon usually occurs in the second or third decade of life, with a baseline prevalence rate of 8% in men. Occupations that result in overt vibrational exposure from vibrating machinery mostly affect males. This is known as hand-arm vibration syndrome. Exposure to polyvinyl chloride, cold injury from work, or ammunition work are other occupational-associated causes of secondary Raynaud phenomenon.
Option B: Primary Raynaud phenomenon usually occurs in the second or third decade of life. Secondary Raynaud phenomenon occur more frequently in women (about 20% to 30%), particularly in younger age populations (teens to 20s). The female to male ratio is 9 to 1.
Option D: Primary Raynaud phenomenon occurs more frequently in women than in men. In the population of patients older than 60 years, obstructive vascular disease is a frequent cause of the Raynaud phenomenon. Obstructive vascular disease causes include thromboangiitis obliterans, microemboli, diabetic angiopathy, or atherosclerosis