TAKA..AKA...Wha?!

Defining Takayasu's Arteritis (TAK)

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Mayo Clinic describes Takayasu's Arteritis as a rare form of vasculitis. Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. Takayasu's Arteritis specifically causes inflammation in the aorta and its' branches, which supply the blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

The cause and etiology of Takayasu's Arteritis is not fully understood. Genetics, environment and infection may play a role in the inflammatory process. The Vasculitis Foundation explains, "Vasculitis is classified as an autoimmune disorder—a disease which occurs when the body’s natural defense system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.".

Here is my "Melissa-ition" (definition by Melissa), my body thinks my aorta is an unwelcome foreign invader. So, my immune system begins to fight and attack my aorta. This internal attack causes my aorta to narrow/occlude or balloon/aneurysm - causing all sorts of problems.

Young women of Asian descent are the most diagnosed population - though Takayasu's Arteritis can affect anyone of any gender. 1 to 3 people out of every million are affected by Takayasu's Arteritis.

TAK is a chronic condition which will require monitoring and management by specialists after diagnosis. The most common treatments are corticosteroids, immuno-suppressants, and biologics. Sometimes the disease can go into remission, but more often than not, it requires lifelong care.