Symptoms of heart disease are not always shortness of breath, bluish purple skin can also be a sign. For more information, see this review.
Common symptoms of heart disease include chest tightness, changes in heart rhythm, and chest pain. However, there are other symptoms that can be experienced by people with heart disease, namely the skin turns purple or blue.
To find out the symptoms of heart disease, which are marked by the skin turning purple or blue, take a good look at the following reviews.
Is it true that blue-purple skin is a sign of heart disease?
A blue or purplish discoloration of the skin indicates a lack of oxygen supply in the body. This condition is known as cyanosis.
“There are various causes of cyanosis, one of which is heart problems. For example, congenital heart defects, heart failure, or cardiac arrest.” said dr. Theresa.
Launching from research recorded in the NCBI, one of the diseases that causes skin color to turn blue is critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).
CCHD is an inherited disease that can cause low levels of oxygen in the blood.
You need to know that oxygen is needed by the body. These elements are used by tissues and organs of the body to carry out their respective functions. When we breathe, humans take in oxygen from the air. Oxygen that enters the blood will be bound by the blood pigment, namely hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body and gives blood its red color. The blood that flows throughout the body will give color to the skin so that it does not look pale.
If the amount of oxygen supply to the body is less, the condition is known as cyanosis.
Launching Medical News Today, the body parts that often experience cyanosis are the tips of the fingers and toes. This organ is the part of the body that is farthest from the heart.
To detect symptoms of cyanosis and other heart diseases, doctors can perform certain tests. Doctors may use a combination of physical tests as well as other tests such as blood tests and X-rays.
These tests can identify abnormalities that affect the heart. Lung abnormalities or other factors that affect oxygen levels in the body can also be detected.
When to go to the doctor?
You should be alert if the cyanosis condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Body fever.
- Pain in the chest.
- Headache.
- Excessive sweating.
- The presence of a bluish color on the lips, hands, feet, arms, fingers, and toes
- Faint
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the above symptoms. If the above symptoms are not treated properly, heart problems that occur can pose a risk of death.
Treatment of cyanosis symptoms will depend on the underlying cause.
Doctors can prescribe special medications to treat heart and lung conditions.
Prescription medications can help increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the body’s organs and tissues. Some people may need therapy to restore oxygen supply to normal levels.
Doctors will usually advise people who have cyanosis to stop taking medications that restrict blood flow. These include beta-blocker drugs, birth control pills, and certain allergy medications.
If you have heart disease with symptoms of cyanosis, you are advised to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or consuming caffeine.