Raynaud’s phenomenon is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism

Objectives: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is common affecting 3–5 % of the population; however, there are little data concerning vascular outcomes. We aimed to estimate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in individuals with RP without underlying relevant systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Methods: A cohort study using data from North American electronic healthcare organization records. RP was defined using ≥2 ICD codes (I73.0), excluding those with SARDs. Comparators had ≥2 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ICD codes (K58); selected as a condition with similar demographics but not typically associated with adverse CVD outcomes. Cohorts were stratified by age (<45 and ≥45 years). Co-primary outcomes were 1) major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and 2) VTE. Secondary outcomes included: myocardial infarction, stroke, any CVD. Risk of each outcome was compared using 1:1 propensity score matched Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Among 30,088 matched pairs aged <45, hazard ratios (HR [95 % CI]) of MACE (HR 1.23 [1.07, 1.42]) and VTE (HR 1.32 [1.20, 1.46]) were higher in RP (excluding SARD) than IBS. Similarly, in 60,145 matched pairs ages ≥45, MACE (HR 1.17 [1.13, 1.22]) and VTE (HR 1.20 [1.14, 1.26]) were higher in RP. Risk of secondary outcomes was higher in RP, although estimates for DVT in both analyses and myocardial infarction in patients under 45 lacked precision. Conclusions: RP was associated with an increased risk of CVD and VTE, independent of age and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Future research is warranted to confirm, explore pathobiological mechanisms, and develop therapeutic strategies.