Takayasu arteritis

Measures to help with control of hypertension, such as following a low-salt diet, are important to prevent damage to the arteries leading to stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure. A program of gradually increasing exercise can help form a collateral circulation, which provides new pathways for blood to reach organs and limbs and lessens claudication symptoms. Stopping smoking and controlling blood fats, including cholesterol, is essential to good general health and to the health of the arteries. General health measures also include keeping immunizations up to date, especially if the patient is maintained on immunosuppressive therapy. Vasculitis Foundation Opens in new window Medline Plus: Takayasu arteritis Opens in new window