Causes

There are many causes for a circulatory disorder of the fingers. It can be an underlying disease such as too low blood pressure or vascular calcification (arteriosclerosis). An underlying sugar disease can also lead to vascular deposits and thus restrict the blood flow in the fingers.

Arteriosclerosis can occur as a result of nicotine consumption, which is why smoking must be mentioned as a cause of circulatory disorders in any case. In addition, smoking disfigures the blood vessels and increases the toughness of the blood, which also restricts the blood circulation. Likewise the already mentioned vascular spasms, as in Raynaud’s syndrome, lead to a short-term lack of blood supply to the fingers.

Regular nicotine consumption is one of the most important risk factors for the development of circulatory disorders. The carbon monoxide contained in cigarette smoke has a higher affinity (binding tendency) to the oxygen-transporting hemoglobin than oxygen itself, so that less oxygen is present in the red blood cells. This results in a poor oxygen supply to the tissue.

The brain then sends a signal to the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells, resulting in a thickening of the blood. The blood fat values also increase. Due to the poor oxygen supply, cholesterol can better penetrate the vessel walls and vascular deposits (development of arteriosclerosis) occur, which hinder the blood flow.

The nervous system stimulates the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels, whereupon blood pressure rises as a result. As a result of all these processes, blood circulation is reduced, which also affects the fingers. Raynaud’s syndrome is a circulatory disorder that can be present in individual fingers.

Often only the end phalanges of the fingers are affected. In cold weather, the body normally regulates the blood circulation in the fingers so that they are only slightly supplied with blood. This ensures a sufficient supply of blood and nutrients, but the body loses little heat on the fingers.

In Raynaud’s syndrome this regulation is misdirected. The vessels, which should actually only be narrowed, are (almost) completely closed. This leads to a blue or white coloration of the fingers.

In addition, the low blood flow can also cause sensory disturbances and pain. Raynaud’s syndrome can be divided into the primary syndrome, in which the disease occurs without a recognizable reason, and the secondary syndrome, which is based on another disease. The primary Raynaud’s syndrome usually manifests itself in cold, physical exertion and psychological stress.

Triggers for secondary Raynaud’s syndrome can be vascular diseases or autoimmune diseases. As a rule, Raynaud’s syndrome is treated by wearing sufficiently warm clothing and gloves and by massages that stimulate blood circulation. If the condition is more severe, drugs can also be administered, which lead to vasodilatation (dilation of the vessels).