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Congenital Heart Defects - Cynanosis
Cyanosis refers to a blue or purple hue to the skin. It is most easily observed on the lips, tongue and fingernails.
Cyanosis indicates there may be decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. It may suggest a problem with the lungs, but most often is a result of mixing blue and red blood due to defects of the heart or great vessels. Cyanosis is a finding based on observation, not a laboratory test.
Cyanosis types
"Acrocyanosis" refers to the presence of cyanosis in the extremities, particularly the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It can also be seen on the skin around the lips. Acrocyanosis is often normal in babies, provided it is not accompanied by central cyanosis.
"Central cyanosis" refers to the presence of cyanosis on "central" parts of the body, including lips, mouth, head, and torso. Central cyanosis is never normal, and is almost always associated with a decrease in blood oxygen.
Why cyanosis occurs
Central cyanosis occurs because blood changes color in the presence (or absence) of oxygen. Red blood has ample oxygen whereas blood with decreased oxygen turns blue or purple. Red blood flowing through capillaries in the skin produces a healthy red-pink color.
Blue blood causes a blue-purple (or cyan) tint to the skin.
