Raynaud's disease is a rare condition that usually affects blood vessels that supply blood to fingers and toes. Patients with this disorder have attacks that cause blood vessels to constrict, which causes fingers and toes to turn white and blue. When blood flow returns, the skin turns red and patients experience a tingling feeling. Exposure to cold and stress normally triggers attacks in patients with Raynaud's disease. Calcium is important in patients with Raynaud's disease.
Calcium and Raynaud's Disease
Calcium is a mineral which forms a major component of bones and teeth and keeps them strong. Calcium is required for blood vessels contraction and vasodilaton, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium may help reduce vasospasm of arteries by causing dilation or widening of blood vessels. Vasospasm of arteries usually occurs when patients are exposed to cold environments or stress.
Sources of Calcium
Patients with Raynaud's disease should increase calcium consumption. The recommended dietary intake of calcium is 1,000 mg for males and females. Milk and diary products such as yogurt and cheese are the richest sources of calcium. Other source of calcium include tofu, salmon, sardines, orange juice, fortified cereals, spinach, kale, soy beverage, enriched bread, sour cream, Chinese cabbage and turnip greens. Calcium supplements are also available for patients who may have problems eating calcium-rich foods. Calcium supplements may cause side effects such as constipation, gas and bloating.
Raynaud's Disease and Calcium Channel Blockers
Doctors prescribe calcium channel blockers to help relax and open up small blood vessels that have constricted due to cold or stress, according to MayoClinic.com. Calcium channel blockers dilate blood vessels by preventing the movement of calcium ions into heart and blood vessels cells. Calcium channel blockers help decrease the frequency of attacks in people with Raynaud's syndrome. Examples of calcium channel blockers include nifedipine, felodipine and amlodipine.
Other Drug Treatments
Raynaud's disease is also treated using alpha blockers and vasodilators, according to MayoClinic.com. Alpha blockers block the actions of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. Examples of alpha blockers include doxazosin and prazosin. Vasodilators dilate blood vessels which enables blood to flow more easily through arteries. Examples of vasodilators include hydralazine and minoxidil.
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