cyanosis

The bluish tinge of skin and mucous membranes seen when there is too little oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood. If generalized it may due to inadequate oxygen reaching the blood or failure of the blood circulation; this may be chronic or acute, the latter often needing early treatment or resuscitation. If it is only at the extremities, it indicates slow blood flow due to vasoconstriction.

Related category

• HEALTH AND DISEASE

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