ADHD Medications Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Issues

Doctors may use certain psychostimulants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Yet a recent study conducted by researchers from  Aarhus University in Denmark shows that this could increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

"The study confirms the small but real risk we have understood for some time through prior reports and clinical experience," said Harold S. Kpolewicz, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, in a news release. "But Dalsgaard et al.'s excellent design and the robust sample size make it abundantly clear that treating clinicians cannot ignore existing guidelines concerning the assessment of cardiac risk prior to treatment and monitoring key vital signs during the course."

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 700,000 children in Denmark. From the sample, 8,300 had ADHD. The researchers compared stimulant-use and cardiovascular events in children with ADHD and throughout the entire study group. Researchers discovered a small risk associated with the stimulant use for ADHD.

As previous research has shown that children taking such medications as Adderall and Ritalin may be at an increased risk of serious heart conditions, the researchers discovered a specific link between stimulant dose and risk of cardiovascular issues.

Results of the nationwide study reiterated the possible cardiovascular health risks among increased use of stimulants  in children and adolescents. 

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the the study "Cardiovascular Safety of Stimulants in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study" in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.