Raynaud's disease is a peripheral arterial occlusive disease with intermittent attacks triggered by cold or stress. Which population and body area are most commonly affected?

• A. Women; Hands and Fingers
• B. Men; Feet
• C. Children; Face
• D. Elderly; Trunk

Answer: (A)

Raynaud's disease involves episodic vasospasm of the small arteries in the extremities in response to cold or stress. The population most commonly affected is women, who have a higher prevalence of this condition, particularly in its primary form. The body area most frequently involved is the hands and fingers, where the small digital vessels are highly susceptible to vasospasm and are commonly exposed to cold and handling activities. While toes can also be affected, the hands/fingers are the classic site. This pattern—more common in women and targeting the hands and fingers—explains why the best answer points to women and hands and fingers.