What is the prevalence of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
How many people does Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a relatively rare inflammatory disease affecting medium and large arteries, primarily in individuals over the age of 50. It is estimated that GCA affects approximately 1 in every 5,000 individuals in Western populations, making it a relatively uncommon condition. However, the prevalence increases with age, with rates as high as 1 in every 500 individuals over the age of 80. GCA is more common in women than men, with a female-to-male ratio of around 2:1. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects medium and large arteries. It is more common in individuals over the age of 50, particularly women, and is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, such as individuals of Scandinavian descent.
The prevalence of GCA varies across different populations. Studies have estimated that the overall prevalence of GCA ranges from 13 to 285 cases per 100,000 individuals. However, it is important to note that these estimates may vary due to differences in study populations, diagnostic criteria, and geographical locations.
GCA is more commonly observed in individuals of Northern European ancestry, with a higher prevalence reported in Scandinavian countries. In these populations, the prevalence can reach up to 1 in 500 individuals over the age of 50. On the other hand, GCA appears to be less common in Asian and African populations.
Early diagnosis and treatment of GCA are crucial to prevent complications such as vision loss and stroke. If you suspect you may have GCA, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.
