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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen Takayasu's arteritis is identified and treated early, the prognosis is usually good. One of your greatest challenges may be coping with any side effects of your medication. The following suggestions may help:
- Understand your condition. Learn everything you can about Takayasu's arteritis and its treatment. Know the possible side effects of any medications you take and report any changes in your health to your doctor.
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Eat a healthy diet. Eating well can help prevent potential problems that may result from your condition and medications, such as high blood pressure, thinning bones and diabetes. Emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats and fish, while limiting salt, sugar and alcohol.
Be sure to get adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D to help to prevent osteoporosis, a primary side effect of treatment with cortisone. If you find it hard to get calcium from your diet because you can't eat dairy products, for example, try calcium supplements, which are often combined with vitamin D. Supplements are inexpensive and can effectively combat thinning bones.
- Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, can help prevent bone loss, high blood pressure and diabetes. It also benefits your heart and lungs. In addition, many people find that exercise improves their mood and overall sense of well-being.
- Anton E. Large vessel arteritis: A diagnostic challenge in the elderly. Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2005;58(7):782.
- Vasculitis syndromes of the central and peripheral nervous systems fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/vasculitis/detail_vasculitis.htm. Accessed Aug. 8, 2008.
- Johnston SL, et al. Takayasu arteritis: A review. Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2002;55(7):481-486.
- Takayasu's arteritis. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch069/ch069f.html. Accessed Aug. 8, 2008.
- Kis B, et al. Severe supraaortal atherosclerotic disease resembling Takayasu's arteritis. Vascular Health Risk Management. 2007;3(3):351-354.
- Kissin EY, et al. Diagnostic imaging in Takayasu arteritis. Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 2004;16(3):31-37.
- Liang P, et al. Advances in the medical and surgical treatment of Takayasu arteritis. Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 2005;17(1):16-24.
- de Franciscis S, et al. The management of Takayasu's arteritis: Personal experience. Annals of Vascular Surgery. 2007;21(6):754-760.
