COMMON AILMENTS OF THE

BY: JASMIN E. CINCO

GRADE 9 – 2 (STE)

Common Ailments of the

Circulatory SystemSome diseases of the circulatory system are

the primary causes of deaths in the

Philippines today. What are these Illnesses?

Rheumatic Fever Rheumatic Heart diseases

usually occurs in children. This

may start from an inflammation

of the throat caused by a germ

called streptococcus. The

inflammation is called strep

throat. If not cured, strep throat

may develop into rheumatic fever.

This fever lasts for weeks.

Congenital Heart

Disease (CHD)There are babies born with defective heart.

A newborn baby with a defective heart is called

a blue baby. A blue baby is called such because

when it cries, the surrounds of the mouth and

the fingertips turn bluish. This is a sign that the

baby has a congenital heart disease. Congenital

means that the disease developed before the

baby was born.

High Blood PressureHigh Blood pressure called hypertension occurs among

adults. Too much force exerted by the blood on the arteries

causes it. This disease is often called silent killer because it

can cause sudden death even if the person looks healthy.

The symptoms of high blood pressure are frequent

headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and palpitation. If

not controlled, this disease may lead to the enlargement of

the heart, a stroke or a heart attach.

Coronary Artery DiseaseIs the thickening of the artery caused by the

accumulation of fatty deposits along the inner lining of the

arteries. These fatty deposits are called cholesterol.

An artery may have a blood clot. This blood clot prevents

blood from reaching some of the heart muscles. When the

muscles do not get food and oxygen, they become injured,

if the injury affects a bigger area, the heart may not be able

to pump blood.

AnemiaIs a disorder of the blood in

which the red blood cells are

affected. The red blood cells contain

hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to

body cells to provide energy. The

level of the blood cells may be

reduced from the normal level. This

results in a lack of oxygen in the

tissues causing anemia.

HemophiliaIs a disease of the blood, which is

inherited. A person with

hemophilia is called a bleeder

because when he or she bleeds,

the blood does not clot or it clots

very slowly resulting in the loss of

much blood. In this case, the

person needs blood transfusion.

Heart Attack When one of the arteries in the

heart stops suddenly, a heart attack

occurs. This is an emergency

situation, which endangers the life of

the patient. A person who has a heart

attack suffers from intense pain. He

feels that his chest is being squeezed

and he has difficulty in breathing. He

becomes weak and may vomit. He

perspires and looks pale.

1. Have a balanced diet each meal a balanced diet gives you

the correct food in proper amount as.

2. Watch your weight to prevent obesity. Obesity overworks

the heart.

3. Exercise regularly. You need active exercise to make your

bone and muscles firm and strong.

4. Have time to rest to keep your heart from breaking down

from fatigue.

5. Always think positively. Avoid worrying too much.

6. Do not smoke or drink liquor.

7. Stay away from prohibited drugs or you might get

hooked.

8. Get fresh air-every day. The fresh air that you breathe

gives quick help to the muscles of your heart.

9. Stand and sit with good posture so that your lungs

and heart have room to work properly.

10. Visit the doctor once a year for a health

examination.