In short
Takayasu arteritis is a rare vasculitis that inflames the aorta and its main branches, narrowing them and reducing blood flow — which can leave a weak or missing pulse in one arm. It mostly affects women under 40, especially of Asian ancestry. It is lifelong but very treatable, and early treatment prevents lasting damage.
On this page
What is Takayasu arteritis?
Inflammation thickens the walls of the body's largest arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the arms, brain and other organs. Less often, a weakened wall bulges into an GlossaryAneurysmA bulge in a weakened artery wall, which can rupture if it grows large.All terms A–Z.
It is sometimes called ‘pulseless disease’ because a pulse in the arm can become weak or disappear.
What are the symptoms of Takayasu arteritis?
Early on — vague and easy to miss
- Feeling unwell Tiredness, low fever, night sweats and weight loss.
- Aches Muscle and joint pain.
Later — from reduced blood flow
- Limb pain with use Aching or cramping arms or legs (GlossaryClaudicationPain or cramping in a limb during activity, caused by reduced blood flow.All terms A–Z).
- Weak or unequal pulses Or a big blood-pressure difference between arms.
- Dizziness or fainting From reduced blood flow to the brain.
- High blood pressure Often from narrowed kidney arteries.
- Chest pain or vision changes Need prompt attention.
How is Takayasu arteritis diagnosed?
- Examination Pulses and blood pressure in both arms, and listening for a bruit.
- Blood tests GlossaryESR / CRPBlood tests that measure inflammation in the body. Useful for tracking disease activity, but they do not point to any one condition.All terms A–Z and CRP are often raised when the disease is active.
- Imaging GlossaryMR / CT angiographyScans that create detailed pictures of blood vessels to show narrowing or bulging.All terms A–Z or CT angiography, or a PET scan, shows narrowed or bulging arteries — the main way it is diagnosed.
- Rarely a biopsy The arteries involved are large and deep.
How is Takayasu arteritis treated?
- Steroids Started at a higher dose, then tapered to the lowest that works.
- Immunosuppressants Methotrexate or azathioprine allow a lower steroid dose.
- Biologics For disease that resists standard treatment.
- Blood pressure and clot prevention Antiplatelet or blood-thinning medicines where needed.
- Angioplasty or surgery For severe narrowing or aneurysms, once inflammation is controlled.
What is the outlook?
- Most people respond well, though treatment is usually long-term.
- Treatment stops further narrowing but cannot reverse existing damage — report new symptoms early.
- With steady care, the risk of stroke and heart problems falls.
Questions patients ask
Why did it take so long to diagnose?
Early symptoms — tiredness, mild fever, aches — look like many other illnesses. It is often only suspected once a weak pulse or unequal blood pressure appears.
Can I exercise with Takayasu arteritis?
Generally yes, once the disease is under control. Your care team will advise on limits depending on which arteries are affected.
Is Takayasu arteritis hereditary or contagious?
It is not contagious. Some genes slightly raise the risk, but most people have no family history.
Is there a cure?
Not yet, but it is highly treatable and most people achieve good control with medication.
Words worth knowing
Full glossary- Aneurysm
- A bulge in a weakened artery wall, which can rupture if it grows large.
- Bruit
- A whooshing sound heard with a stethoscope over a narrowed artery.
- Claudication
- Pain or cramping in a limb during activity, caused by reduced blood flow.
- ESR / CRP
- Blood tests that measure inflammation in the body. Useful for tracking disease activity, but they do not point to any one condition.
- MR / CT angiography
- Scans that create detailed pictures of blood vessels to show narrowing or bulging.
This page is intended for general patient education and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your rheumatologist about your specific symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Last updated 3 October 2026.