Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is often described as an “older person’s condition,” but that phrase doesn’t capture the whole picture. Understanding who is most likely to be affected requires looking at age patterns, gender differences, genetic influences, and how common the condition is across populations. Knowing these factors not only helps with awareness but also ensures earlier recognition and diagnosis.
Age: Why PMR Is Tied to Later Life
PMR is rarely seen in people under 50. Most cases occur in those over 60, with risk continuing to climb as people age. The average age of diagnosis is around 70. Researchers believe this link to aging may be tied to changes in the immune system and cumulative wear in tissues that regulate inflammation.
Simply put: if you are younger than 50, PMR is highly unlikely. If you are over 70, it becomes one of the most common inflammatory rheumatic conditions seen in clinics.
Gender: Why Women Are Affected More
Women are diagnosed with PMR about two to three times more often than men. While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, hormonal influences and differences in immune system behavior are likely contributors. This pattern is consistent worldwide and mirrors trends seen in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Ethnicity and Genetics
Not all populations are affected equally. PMR is most common among people of Northern European descent, particularly those from Scandinavian regions. Genetic factors, such as certain variations in the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) system, appear to play a role. These genes influence how the immune system reacts, possibly making some groups more vulnerable to developing PMR.
By contrast, PMR is less frequently reported in people of Asian, African, or Hispanic ancestry—though cases still occur and may sometimes be underdiagnosed.
How Common Is PMR?
Epidemiologists estimate that about 50 to 100 people out of every 100,000 develop PMR each year. In practical terms, that means in a mid-sized town of 100,000 residents, 50 to 100 new cases would likely appear annually, almost all in older adults.
Over a lifetime, the odds of developing PMR are about 2–3% for women and 1–2% for men living in high-prevalence regions.
The Link Between PMR and Giant Cell Arteritis
An important part of understanding who gets PMR is recognizing its connection to giant cell arteritis (GCA). Around 10–20% of people with PMR will eventually develop GCA, a related vascular condition that requires urgent attention. The overlap is strong enough that rheumatologists always keep it in mind when diagnosing and treating PMR.
Putting It All Together
PMR mainly affects older adults, especially women of Northern European ancestry, and is most often diagnosed in the seventh or eighth decade of life. It remains uncommon in younger people, but for those at higher risk—older women, people with family histories, and populations where prevalence is high—awareness is key. Recognizing the demographics of PMR helps shorten the often-frustrating road to diagnosis and allows treatment to begin sooner.
