Study pinpoints genes behind Raynaud’s phenomenon, which could lead to better treatments

• Raynaud's phenomenon causes extremities to become cold and numb due to blood vessel spasms.
• The largest genetic study of the condition identifies two genes responsible for these symptoms.
• These genes affect how blood vessels constrict and relax in response to cold or stress.
• The discovery offers avenues for new treatments, potentially repurposing existing drugs.
• Current treatments have side effects; new findings could lead to more effective solutions.
• Raynaud's is more common in women and can be primary (mild) or secondary (severe).
• The study focused on participants of European descent, indicating a need for broader research.