Cyanosis - definition, causes and symptoms
Cyanosis is a bluish coloration to the lips, nail beds, and SKIN that indicates inadequate oxygenation. Clinically, cyanosis exists when the oxygen saturation of arterial BLOOD drops below 85 percent. Cyanosis may result from conditions that affect the ability of the LUNGS to oxygenate the blood, such as may occur with CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD), or that affect cardiac function, such as HEART FAILURE or MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (HEART ATTACK). Cyanosis may also result from severe ANEMIA and other blood disorders that affect the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. Poisoning with mercury or silver can cause the skin to take on a bluish hue, as can certain antipsychotic medications. Doctors call this pseudocyanosis because it is not the result of the blood’s oxygen levels.
See also CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE; HEAVY METAL POISONING; HYPOXIA; RAYNAUD’S SYNDROME.
