The incidence and natural history of Raynaud's phenomenon in the community

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Abstract
Objective Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a common disorder, yet its incidence and natural history are unknown. Our objective was to determine the incidence and natural history of RP not associated with a connective tissue disease in a large, community‐based population. Methods Using serial examinations of the Framingham Heart Study offspring cohort, we collected data regarding RP symptoms for 717 women and 641 men over a 7‐year period. We used validated criteria for RP classification and categorized participants as having incident, persistent, or remitted RP. We performed sex‐specific analyses of RP status by age, body mass index, vibratory tool use, season of examination, state of residence, use of antihypertensive medications, and smoking status. Results The mean ± SD age of participants was 53.5 ± 10 years. The incidence of RP was 2.2% in women (n = 14) and 1.5% in men (n = 9). Of the 78 women and 50 men who had RP at baseline, 36% of women (n = 28) and 36% of men (n = 18) had persistent RP. RP remitted in 64% of women (n = 50) and 64% of men (n = 32), with 41 women and 25 men meeting no or only 1 RP criterion at followup. RP episodes were infrequent and rarely interfered with daily activities. Conclusion This is the first prospective study to determine the incidence and natural history of RP in a community‐based cohort. Our data demonstrate that RP not associated with a connective tissue disease is frequently a transient phenomenon and rarely interferes with daily activities.