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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA)
frequently affect the same types of people. The diseases may
occur independently or in the same patient, either together or
at different times.  Who is affected by PMR and GCA?  People
over 50 years old are typically affected with PMR and GCA. The
average age of patients is 74. One-third of patients with GCA
also have PMR.  Both diseases are two to three times more common
in women than men, and there is a higher incidence among
Caucasians than any other ethnic group.  What causes PMR and
GCA?  The exact cause of these illnesses is unknown.  What is
giant cell arteritis (GCA)?  Giant cell arteritis causes
inflammation that damages the arteries (blood vessels that carry
blood and nutrients from the heart to tissues in the body). The
large- and medium-sized arteries are affected.  Because some of
the affected arteries provide blood to the he