Arteriosclerosis (extremities) and Hypertension

[cgagexii]

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!