Which are the symptoms of Takayasus Arteritis?

Symptoms of Takayasu's Arteritis

Takayasu's arteritis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the large blood vessels, particularly the aorta and its branches. It predominantly affects young women of Asian descent, although it can occur in individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity. The condition is characterized by inflammation, thickening, and narrowing of the blood vessels, which can lead to reduced blood flow to various organs and tissues. The symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis can vary widely depending on the affected blood vessels and organs.

Early Symptoms

In the early stages of Takayasu's arteritis, individuals may experience nonspecific symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions. These early symptoms may include:

• Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy.


• Fever: Low-grade fever that persists for an extended period.


• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite.


• Muscle and joint pain: Aching or stiffness in the muscles and joints.


• Night sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Takayasu's arteritis primarily affects the blood vessels supplying the heart and other vital organs. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience cardiovascular symptoms, including:

• High blood pressure: Hypertension is a common feature of Takayasu's arteritis, often affecting the arms more than the legs.


• Weak or absent pulses: Reduced or absent pulses in the arms or legs due to narrowed blood vessels.


• Chest pain: Angina-like chest pain may occur due to reduced blood flow to the heart.


• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity, can result from reduced blood flow to the lungs.


• Dizziness or fainting: Insufficient blood supply to the brain can lead to dizziness or fainting spells.

Neurological Symptoms

Takayasu's arteritis can also affect the blood vessels supplying the brain and spinal cord, leading to various neurological symptoms, such as:

• Headaches: Persistent or severe headaches, often located at the temples.


• Stroke: Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke, resulting in sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.


• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.


• Seizures: In rare cases, Takayasu's arteritis can trigger seizures.

Visual Symptoms

The inflammation of blood vessels supplying the eyes can lead to various visual symptoms, including:

• Blurred vision: Vision may become blurry or hazy.


• Double vision: Seeing two images instead of one.


• Loss of vision: In severe cases, Takayasu's arteritis can cause partial or complete loss of vision.

Other Symptoms

Takayasu's arteritis can affect other organs and tissues, leading to additional symptoms, such as:

• Weakness or pain in the limbs: Reduced blood flow to the arms or legs can cause weakness, pain, or claudication (cramping during physical activity).


• Abdominal pain: Inflammation of blood vessels supplying the abdominal organs can result in abdominal pain.


• Decreased pulse in the abdomen: Reduced or absent pulses in the abdomen due to narrowed blood vessels.


• Renal symptoms: Takayasu's arteritis can affect the blood vessels supplying the kidneys, leading to renal artery stenosis and subsequent kidney problems.


• Changes in blood pressure between arms: Blood pressure may differ significantly between the arms.

If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect you may have Takayasu's arteritis, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management.