Viagra Rescues Cold Hands -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information

Reported June 1, 2011
Viagra Rescues Cold Hands -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Cold hands syndrome occurs as a result of blocked or constricted blood vessels caused by a vascular disorder (a cold hand disease) or an injury such as: blood clotting, Raynaud’s, hand trauma, tumors or frost bite.
(SOURCE: University of Chicago Medical Center, Cold Hands Clinic)

RAYNAUD'S: In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas. Women are more likely to have Raynaud's disease. It's also more common in people who live in colder climates and among those who have a family history of the disease. Although it can develop in anyone, primary Raynaud's often begins between the ages of 15 and 30.
(SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

SYMPTOMS: Taking longer than 15-20 minutes for your hands to warm up after they have been exposed to cold temperatures, pain, swelling, numbness, discoloration, wounds that don’t heal, and streaks of discoloration under the fingernails are symptoms of cold hands syndrome.
(SOURCE: University of Chicago Medical Center, Cold Hands Clinic)

TREATMENT: Many patients find relief through medications like Viagra and Cialis to reduce the risk of blood clotting and improve blood flow through the fingers and hands. Antidepressants can help regulate pressure in the blood vessels. Botox injections can relax muscles in the hand.

SURGERY FOR THE WORST CASES: Persistently cold, numb hands are signs of a more severe condition, as in Lise Stec’s case. She was diagnosed with scleroderma and Raynaud’s. When gangrene set in to her fingertips, she underwent digital sympathectomy. Doctors recommended a series of surgeries to remove the dead skin, performed a skin transplant and injected her hand with growth hormones.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

John Easton, Director of Medical Communications
University of Chicago Medical Center
Chicago, IL
John.Easton@uchospitals.edu

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Viagra Rescues Cold Hands -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information


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Viagra Rescues Cold Hands -- In Depth Doctor's Interview | Medical News and Health Information


Viagra Rescues Cold hands | Medical News and Health Information:
Viagra Rescues Cold hands | Medical News and Health Information