Determination of laboratory parameters are generally not indicated for mental and behavioral disorders associated with tobacco dependence.
Diseases – see self-history – that can be or are the consequence of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries) – as a consequence of tobacco dependence – require diagnostic clarification according to the guidelines of Evidence Based Medicine. Since there are no early symptoms of atherosclerosis, a regularly recurring health examination is necessary from the age of 30, which should include the following laboratory parameters. 1st-order laboratory parameters-obligatory laboratory tests.
- Cholesterol – total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol.
- Homocysteine
- Lipoprotein (a) – lipoprotein electrophoresis if necessary.
- Fibrinogen
- CRP
The above laboratory parameters are considered independent risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Cotinine (degradation product of nicotine; it is also found in the blood and urine of passive smokers as N-glucuronide conjugate) – cotinine value allows a statement about tobacco consumption or smoking behavior.
- Laboratory tests to detect potential sequelae due to tobacco dependence (see sub-topic “sequelae” due toTobacco dependence), as far as the patient has other risk factors for the respective potential sequelae (laboratory parameters for this see under the respective disease under “Laboratory diagnostics“).
