Based on your family history or other information, you may be wondering whether you should have a carotid endarterectomy. If you haven't had symptoms (such as a TIA or mild stroke) and do not know the percentage of stenosis (narrowing) in your carotid arteries, you are not ready to make a decision. People who have no symptoms of carotid artery stenosis do not need to have tests to check for narrowed carotid arteries. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about your risk for stroke or TIA.