Question: Hello...I am a tall 69 year old male, not obese, excellent cholesterol numbers (under 200 mg.) and BP (118/57 - controlled)...

2 years ago, I was diagnosed with claudication and a moderate blockage in left femoral artery. I began walking and now walk a minimum of 4 times a week briskly for about 40 minutes each time. The pain has lessened and I can walk longer distances now. I had arterial ultrasound 2 years ago, and all is clean except for mild presence of atherosclerosis in right leg - same location as left one. Carotid is fine as is lower aorta and brain. I had an ecg two weeks ago and it is fine too. Also had an echogram of heart 2 years ago, and that is fine with exception of tiny leak in aortic valve. I am married and we eat what is recommended in Dr. XXXXXXX Fuhrman's book and NO beef etc. But I still smoke about 25 cigarettes per day and am struggling with it big time. Once I stop smoking, what type of outlook can I expect? Or is this all the start of the end? I am pretty discouraged and scared right now. I take Lipitor 40 mg, baby aspirin, Omega 3 fish oil and COQ10 daily. We cook with olive oil or coconut oil. Can you help with my anxiety? I want to be able to not worry as much as I am.