I'm a 61yr old meat & potato man. i don't drink or smoke. my ldl is 90, hdl is 46, triglycerides 41. should i still have my carotid artery checked?

Carotid artery: You do not need to have your carotid artery checked if you do not have history of a stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Carotid artery check: ThomasG671; If your doctor has recommended a carotid ultrasound he might have an underlying reason that compelled your doctor to recommend the exam. Other wise if you have no symptoms that would suggest carotid artery disease such as history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, pulsatile mass at the neck, etc. it is unlikely that a carotid study would help direct any treatment at the moment.

Not in most cases: Unless there is a good reason to check, it is not cost effective. Some reasons to check include the presence of a bruit (an audible noise by stethescope) or symptoms (stroke or mini-stroke).

No diagnostic tests: I agree with Dr. Schwartz that diagnostic testing using dopplers, MR's, or angiograms is unnecessary based upon what you've said about yourself. If you've had any symptoms of fainting or near fainting or sudden losses of power in a limb or sudden numbness or tingling for no reason at all or sudden changes in your speech which resolve quickly then, you should tell your doctor about those events.