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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cyanosis

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Cyanosis is a blue or purple discoloration of the skin that can occur when there is not enough oxygen in a person's blood or tissues.

What is going on in the body?

Cyanosis is usually caused by either serious lung or heart disease, or circulation problems. Cases due to circulation problems are more common and often less serious. They usually affect the ends of the arms or legs or both. When cyanosis is due to heart or lung disease, it often affects the face and the arms and legs.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Cyanosis may be caused by a number of conditions, including:

narrowing of the arteries or veins in the affected area, such as narrowed arteries from atherosclerosis

exposure to cold temperature

Berger's disease, which is thought to be caused by smoking and results in cyanosis of the hands and feet.

chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), such as emphysema, which are usually caused by smoking

congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body

deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot, which usually occurs in the leg and causes only the affected leg to have cyanosis

severe asthma, choking, or blockage in the windpipe

lung cancer

pneumonia, which is an infection in the lungs

cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that affects the lungs and other organs

pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs

Raynaud's disease, a condition that occurs for unknown reasons and can cause cyanosis and pain in the fingers

shock, which is very poor circulation throughout the body

congenital heart disease, or heart defects present at birth

other serious lung and heart diseases

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