Keeping the Circulatory System Healthy

1Common diseases of the circulatory system

• High blood pressure (hypertension): the blood pushes too hard against the walls of the blood vessels. It often has no signs at all, which is why it is called a "silent" disease, though some people get headaches or dizziness. Over time it damages the blood vessels, heart and kidneys, and it can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Risks include eating too much salt, being overweight, too little exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, and getting older.
• Heart attack: a blood vessel that feeds the heart muscle becomes narrow or blocked by a clot, so part of the heart muscle gets no oxygen. Signs include strong chest pain that may spread to the arm or jaw, difficulty breathing and sweating. It is an emergency.
• Stroke: part of the brain gets no oxygen because a blood vessel to the brain is blocked or bursts. Remember FAST: Face drooping on one side, Arm weakness, Speech that is slurred or strange, Time to call for help at once.

In Rwanda, call 912 for an ambulance in an emergency.

2Measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer (a blood pressure meter). A cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and pumped up with air, then the air is let out slowly while the health worker listens with a stethoscope or reads a digital screen. The reading has two numbers:

• the top number: the pressure when the heart squeezes;
• the bottom number: the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

For most healthy adults, a reading of about 120 over 80, or a little lower, is normal. A reading of 140 over 90 or higher, again and again, means high blood pressure. Children's blood pressure is lower, and what is normal depends on age. Because high blood pressure is often silent, adults should have it checked regularly, at least once a year.

3Healthy habits for a strong heart

• Move every day. Aim for about an hour of active play: football, running, skipping, dancing, cycling or walking. Kigali's car-free days, when some roads close to cars so people can walk, run and cycle, are a great chance to exercise.
• Eat a balanced diet. Fill your plate with vegetables, fruit and beans; eat less salt, less fried and fatty food, and fewer sweets and sugary drinks.
• Drink clean water every day.
• Sleep well. Children your age need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night.
• Say no to smoking, alcohol and drugs, which damage the heart and blood vessels.
• Keep a healthy weight, and talk to someone you trust when you feel stressed.
• Go for check-ups at the health centre.

4Hygiene and blood

Some germs, such as the viruses that cause HIV and hepatitis B, are carried in blood. To stay safe:

• Never share razor blades, needles or toothbrushes.
• Cover your cuts and wounds with a clean cloth or plaster.
• Do not touch another person's blood with bare hands. If someone is bleeding, give them a clean cloth to press on the wound, raise the injured part, and call an adult.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

Try it yourself

1. What is the name of the device used to measure blood pressure?
2. Why should adults check their blood pressure even when they feel well?
3. Give two habits that keep the heart healthy.
4. What does FAST stand for?
5. Your friend has a bleeding cut on her hand. What should you do?

Answers

1. A sphygmomanometer (blood pressure meter).
2. High blood pressure often has no signs, so only a measurement shows it.
3. Any two of: daily exercise, a balanced diet with little salt, drinking water, enough sleep, no smoking or alcohol, a healthy weight, regular check-ups.
4. Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call for help.
5. Give her a clean cloth to press on the cut, raise her hand, and call an adult. Do not touch her blood with bare hands.