This guide will help you to know what to expect as you work with your healthcare team to manage and treat giant cell arteritis (GCA).

You will have your own unique journey with GCA. How you move through your journey, the number of visits with your healthcare team, the steps you will take, and the order you take them in will depend on your needs. You will make decisions in partnership with your healthcare team. Always follow the specific recommendations from your healthcare team, especially around how best to treat the condition. If you have any questions along the way, ask your healthcare team.

What is GCA?

GCA is an inflammatory condition that affects your blood vessels. It causes a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to your head, neck, and chest. People who have GCA need to be treated right away to avoid serious issues such as vision loss or stroke.

GCA affects people over the age of 50 and is commonly seen in people with other inflammatory conditions, like polymyalgia rheumatica.

GCA is also called temporal arteritis.

Whole-person health

The whole-person health approach will help you and your healthcare team better manage your health condition.

Whole-person health draws from the teachings of the medicine wheel. It means thinking about all parts of your health and wellness:

• physical
• financial and social
• emotional
• spiritual

These parts are all connected and impact each other. It’s important to be aware of your personal needs in each part and to share that information with your healthcare team. Your healthcare team needs to understand who you are and what matters to you.

Support and resources

• If you need a family doctor, visit Alberta Health Services: Find a doctor.
• If you need a translator, let your healthcare provider know.
• If you need health advice any time, day or night, call Health Link at 811.
• If you need to find programs and services in your community, call or text 211 or visit 211 Alberta.

For more information about GCA, see:

• Giant cell arteritis (American College of Rheumatology)
• Vasculitis Foundation (GCA is one example of a group of health conditions called vasculitis)