Who Gets Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Temporal Arteritis?

Polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis frequently affect the same types of people. People over 50 years old are most often affected. The average age of patients is 70. These diseases are more common among women, and Caucasians are more likely to get these diseases than other ethnic groups.

The exact cause of these illnesses is unknown.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

What Is Temporal Arteritis?

About 15% of people with polymyalgia rheumatica also have temporal arteritis and about half of people with temporal arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica. Temporal arteritis causes inflammation that damages large and medium-sized arteries. The name of the condition stems from the fact that some of the affected arteries provide blood to the head, including the temples. Temporal arteritis is also known as "giant cell arteritis."

Source: http://www.webmd.com