What can be a serious outcome of peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by narrowed arteries, which reduces blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs. One of the most serious outcomes of PAD is the potential for amputation. This can occur when there is severely reduced blood flow leading to critical limb ischemia, resulting in tissue death due to lack of oxygen. If not managed or treated adequately, this can progress to gangrene, necessitating the surgical removal of the affected limb to prevent further complications, including systemic infection.

In contrast to amputation, the other options do not represent outcomes of PAD. Increased blood flow does not occur in this condition; rather, PAD is associated with limited blood flow. Improved muscle tone and increased flexibility are also unrelated to the effects of PAD, as the disease typically results in decreased mobility and physical activity due to pain or discomfort in the limbs. This limitation can actually lead to a decline in muscle tone and flexibility over time, underscoring the serious implications of this vascular condition.