Case histories of 62 elderly amputees with peripheral vascular disease are reviewed. Almost one half had previous infarction, heart failure or digoxin therapy. An arm ergometer test revealed myocardial ischemia in two thirds of the group. The theoretical maximum oxygen intake is low, but many patients were unable to reach the theoretical figure because of myocardial ischemia. Application of these findings to an exercise prescription for amputees is discussed, and it is questioned how many elderly amputees have the potential for useful ambulation.