M35: Other systemic involvement of connective tissue

M35.3: Polymyalgia rheumatica

Arteries are blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart. They supply all the tissue in the body with oxygen-rich blood. With this disorder, your immune system attacks the body’s own arteries. Arteries can become inflamed as a result. Inflamed arteries can get narrow.

When arteries for particular muscles get narrow, the oxygen supply to the affected muscles may become inadequate. As a result, you can get muscular pain in your shoulder or in your hips. Muscles in your arms or legs can also get sore.