Ask Dr T

Hi Teresa,
Your symptoms and the CT scan results are suggestive of a blockage in your aorta called Leriche Syndrome, which often occurs in patients with abnormal cholesterol, atherosclerosis, hypertension and heavy smoking.

Hi Tonia,
Read about heart rate here. If you live an otherwise healthy life style, you're fine and shouldn't worry.
Hope this helps,
Dr T
 

Hi Howard,
You are correct to be concerned. Recent reports have indicated indeed that patients in your category (80 years and over with impaired renal function)  are at a much higher risk for complications (bleeding, cardiac events) in the treatment of Afib with pradaxa than with coumadin:

Hi Lisa,
At 3.8 cm your husband's aorta is a little large but not enough to do more than follow it regularly at this point, unless he develops chest pain symptoms.
Read more here:
http://www.cardiachealth.org/aneurysms
http://www.cardiachealth.org/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
Hope this helps,
Dr T