Raynaud’s Syndrome (RS) is a vasospastic disorder characterized by episodic constriction of peripheral arteries, primarily affecting the fingers and toes. These episodes, often triggered by cold exposure or emotional stress, result in a distinctive triphasic color change in the affected areas. These color changes are white (pallor) due to ischemia, blue (cyanosis) from deoxygenation, and red (erythema) during reperfusion. These changes are frequently accompanied by pain, numbness, and tingling.1 This syndrome was first described by French physician Maurice Raynaud in 1862, who identified it as a cold-induced vascular disorder marked by digital pallor followed by cyanosis and erythema.2 Over time, RS has been recognized as a condition with significant clinical variability, ranging from a benign, isolated disorder to a systemic vascular disease.

RS is broadly classified into two distinct types: primary and secondary, each with unique characteristics and implications. Primary RS, the more common and benign form, occurs in the absence of underlying diseases and typically presents in early adulthood, with a higher prevalence among Caucasian women. Primary RS is often idiopathic, with episodes being mild, self-limiting, and not associated with systemic complications. In contrast, secondary RS is linked to underlying diseases, most commonly rheumatological diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).3, 4, 5 Unlike primary RS, secondary RS indicates more extensive vascular pathology, reflecting systemic endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress.6, 7, 8, 9, 10 These shared pathophysiological mechanisms suggest a potential link between secondary RS and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, rheumatological diseases associated with secondary RS often exacerbate vascular disease, leading to more severe and persistent manifestations of RS and an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.11, 12, 13

Despite these associations, the precise relationship between RS and cardiovascular disease, particularly regarding clinical outcomes and inpatient mortality, remains uncertain. There is a lack of large-scale, population-based evidence evaluating the impact of RS on cardiovascular outcomes in hospitalized patients. A comprehensive exploration of this association could enhance risk stratification and management strategies, particularly for hospitalized patients with RS. To address these gaps, this study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), a nationally representative dataset, to investigate the relationship between RS and cardiovascular diseases, as well as inpatient outcomes.