Overview
Takayasu’s arteritis (tah-kah-YAH-sooz ahr-tuh-RIE-tis) is a rare type of vasculitis, a group of disorders that causes blood vessel inflammation. In Takayasu’s arteritis, the inflammation damages the large artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body (aorta) and its main branches.
The disease can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries, or to weakened artery walls that may bulge (aneurysm) and tear. It can also lead to arm or chest pain, high blood pressure, and eventually heart failure or stroke.
If you don’t have symptoms, you may not need treatment. But most people with the disease need medications to control inflammation in the arteries and to prevent complications. Even with treatment, relapses are common, and your symptoms may come and go.
Large arteries
Takayasu’s arteritis is a form of vasculitis — inflammation of the blood vessels — that damages the large arteries, especially the aorta.
Chambers and valves of the heart
A typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers. The upper chambers, the right and left atria, receive incoming blood. The lower chambers, the more muscular right and left ventricles, pump blood out of the heart. The heart valves, which keep blood flowing in the right direction, are gates at the chamber openings.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Takayasu’s arteritis often occur in two stages.
Stage 1
In the first stage, you’re likely to feel unwell with:
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Muscle and joint aches and pains
- Mild fever, sometimes accompanied by night sweats
Not everyone has these early signs and symptoms. It’s possible for inflammation to damage arteries for years before you realize something is wrong.
Stage 2
During the second stage, inflammation causes arteries to narrow so less blood and oxygen and fewer nutrients reach your organs and tissues. Stage 2 signs and symptoms may include:
- Weakness or pain in your limbs with use
- A weak pulse, difficulty getting a blood pressure or a difference in blood pressure between your arms
- Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
- Headaches or visual changes
- Memory problems or trouble thinking
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea or blood in your stool
- Too few red blood cells (anemia)
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention for shortness of breath, chest or arm pain, or signs of a stroke, such as face drooping, arm weakness or having difficulty speaking.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have other signs or symptoms that worry you. Early detection of Takayasu’s arteritis is key to getting effective treatment.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with Takayasu’s arteritis, keep in mind that your symptoms may come and go even with effective treatment. Pay attention to symptoms similar to those that occurred originally or to any new ones, and be sure to tell your doctor promptly about changes.
