ADHD Medications and Heart Tests

Before you let a teacher or school counselor bully you and your child into starting a medication for ADHD. Be aware, a new recommendation from the American Heart Association is recommending all children on stimulants or being considered for stimulants need heart tests. The test is not invasive, a simple EKG or ECG, will determine whether your child is free from cardiac complications related to the stimulant medication.

Studies have shown that stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure. These side effects are insignificant for most children with ADHD; however, they’re an important consideration for children who have a heart condition. Certain heart conditions increase the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), which occurs when the heart rhythm becomes erratic and doesn’t pump blood through the body.