Risk factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing giant cell arteritis, including:

• Age. Giant cell arteritis affects adults only, and rarely those under 50. Most people with this condition develop signs and symptoms between the ages of 70 and 80.
• Sex. Women are about two times more likely to develop the condition than men are.
• Race and geographic region. Giant cell arteritis is most common among white people in Northern European populations or of Scandinavian descent.
• Polymyalgia rheumatica. Having polymyalgia rheumatica puts you at increased risk of developing giant cell arteritis.
• Family history. Sometimes the condition runs in families.