Arteriosclerosis (extremities) and Hypertension

I have read several different sources for arteriosclerosis - mostly relating to that of extremities (typically legs and feet.)  What I may have experienced in the past may have absolutely nothing to do with this, but hope that someone may have some input on this.

When I was younger (mid to late teens), I would sometimes awaken to (and sometimes experience in mid-day) sharp and severe pains behind my knee (on the back of the leg, not behind the kneecap.)  I would be forced to find a certain position where it would not hurt, when I would usually grab it with my hand.  I often felt something protruding from my leg, which as soon as the pain would go away, it would also recess.  On a couple occasions, I had the same type of pain, along with a small lump pop out of my neck, just behind the jawbone.  I have not had an issue with this in several years that I can remember since.

I question now, due to issues with hypertension and wonder if there are other underlying issues which may be causing it.  I have already been prescribed beta blockers, which don't seem to do much, as well as underwent testing for pheochromocytoma (which came back negative.)  

I will be going in for a complete physical and check-up in the next couple weeks, but wanted to have an idea for additional testing if something jumped out at me (my doctor is great, but not very proactive.)

So, a few questions:

1. Has anyone ever experienced (or had diagnosed) these type of pains?
2. Are there any collective tests that I should request for "general health" at my physical that may reveal any details of underlying issues? or will they typically include the best general testing?
3. An off-topic question: I am a smoker.  I realize that smoking results in hypertension... but for how long?  I have read from some sources that the blood pressure returns to normal, 15 minutes after having a cigarette.

Thanks for any information you can help provide!

[sindy518826]

A health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Early atherosclerosis can create a whooshing or blowing sound ("bruit") over an artery.

Tests that may be used to diagnose atherosclerosis or complications include:

Ankle/brachial index (ABI)
Aortic arteriography
Arteriography
Cardiac stress testing
Carotid duplex
CT scan
Doppler study
Extremity arteriography
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)
Magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA)
Mesenteric arteriography
Pulmonary angiography
Renal arteriography
In-Depth Diagnosis »