What’s Your Body Trying to Tell You?

Cold Hands

Most Likely Causes

Stress or apprehension can rev up the nervous system, causing blood vessels to constrict and thus inhibiting circulation to the hands. Also, some people simply have slower circulation than others.

Less Likely Causes

If your fingers also spasm, go numb, and change in color (from whitish to blue to bright red), you may have Raynaud's phenomenon, which can affect blood flow to the extremities. Other possibilities: a connective-tissue disorder, blocked arteries, or side effects from some drugs, such as beta-blockers.

What to do: 

• Try deep breathing or any easy relaxation technique to enhance circulation if you suspect stress is the cause. Keep your hands warm.
• If your hands go cold for no apparent reason or if it happens frequently, talk to your doctor about being tested for Raynaud's or other conditions.