Gangrene (or
gangrenous necrosis) is a type of
necrosis caused by a critically insufficient blood supply. This potentially life-threatening condition may occur after an injury or infection, or in people suffering from any chronic health problem affecting
blood circulation. The primary cause of gangrene is reduced
blood supply to the affected tissues, which results in
cell death.
Diabetes and long-term smoking increase the risk of suffering from gangrene.