What is arteritis, and what are its main types?
Arteritis refers to inflammation of the arterial walls—a general term that encompasses several distinct conditions depending on the size and location of the affected vessels. It is a serious disease that requires specialized medical care. It should not be confused withatherosclerosis (lipid deposits) orarteriosclerosis (age-related hardening of the arteries). Circulatory support products are available in the store’s cardiovascular health line.
- Giant-cell arteritis (Horton’s disease): vasculitis affecting large- and medium-sized arteries—affects almost exclusively patients over 50 years of age—most commonly affects the temporal, ophthalmic, vertebral, and coronary arteries—suggestive symptoms: severe temporal headaches, mandibular claudication, scalp hyperesthesia, very high ESR/CRP levels — medical emergency: transient amaurosis or vision loss → risk of permanent blindness → emergency corticosteroids
- Takayasu’s arteritis: vasculitis of large-caliber arteries (aorta and its branches) — primarily young women (ages 15–45) — asymmetric blood pressure between the two arms — absent pulse on one side — renovascular hypertension — rheumatologic and vascular management
- Lower Extremity Arteritis (LEA): progressive occlusion of the iliofemoral and popliteal arteries due to atherosclerosis — intermittent claudication (calf pain when walking, relieved by rest) — severe stage: pain at rest, trophic disorders (ulcers, gangrene)—urgent vascular management in advanced stages
- Secondary arteritis (polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease, polyangiitis): systemic vasculitides associated with autoimmune or infectious diseases — management in an internal medicine or rheumatology department
Diagnosis and emergency signs to be aware of
- Diagnostic workup based on the type: ESR + CRP (markers of inflammation) — Complete blood count (CBC) — lipid profile and blood glucose — arterial Doppler ultrasound of the lower extremities (systolic pressure index — SPI) — CT angiography or MRI angiography — temporal artery biopsy (Horton) — PET scan (large-vessel vasculitides) — performed by a physician, cardiologist, or rheumatologist
- Call 15 immediately (absolute emergencies): sudden unilateral vision loss (amaurosis) in a patient with suspected Horton’s disease — lower limb pain with sudden pallor and coldness (acute limb ischemia) — chest pain with asymmetric blood pressure (aortic dissection)
- Drug treatments: corticosteroids (standard of care for inflammatory arteritis — high dose initially, then gradual tapering) — immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, anti-IL-6 agents) — antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants (peripheral arterial disease) — vascular surgery or stenting (severe peripheral arterial disease) — strictly by specialist prescription — never discontinue corticosteroids without medical advice
Lifestyle, Diet, and Supplements for Vascular Support
These measures support overall vascular health—they do not treat established arteritis and do not replace prescribed treatments. Medical advice is essential before taking any supplements if you are currently undergoing anti-inflammatory or anticoagulant therapy.
- Complete cessation of smoking (Tobacco Info Service: 3989): a major risk factor for PAD—accelerates the progression of all arterial diseases—significant improvement in walking distance after quitting
- Anti-inflammatory diet: reduce saturated fats and refined sugars— omega-3 EPA-DHA (fatty fish 2–3 times per week—reduces vascular inflammation — 2 to 3 g/day) — turmeric (anti-inflammatory curcumin — in standardized extract combined with piperine for absorption)
- Ginkgo biloba: improves peripheral microcirculation — inhibits platelet aggregation — positive data on walking distance in mild to moderate PAD — absolute contraindication with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents — always consult a doctor
- Adapted physical activity: daily walking (trains the arterial collateral networks) — vascular rehabilitation program for PAD — always with medical approval — see treatments to improve circulation and blood flow
