Reason why am so concerned re: my carotid is that i have a friend w?

Missing question...: Unless you have symptoms related to your carotid or a bruit, there is very little indication to be messing with the carotid artery. Be concerned about maintaining a normal weight and exercise level, not smoking, controlling your diabetes and hypertension and consider looking at your lipid levels.

Call your : Doctor or hospital and find a place that is doing vascular screening. You can get your carotid arteries checked for small fee.