Study Suggests Close Monitoring of Heart Health for Individuals Taking ADHD Medications
Long-term use of ADHD medications increases cardiovascular disease risk in children and adults, warns a study published in JAMA Psychiatry While treatment benefits outweigh risks for many, close monitoring of heart health is crucial for informed decisions Subscribe to CNN Health's newsletter for updates
The study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that long-term use of ADHD medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in both children and adults. Despite this, experts believe that the benefits of treatment still outweigh the risks for many individuals. However, it is important to carefully consider and monitor heart health when making treatment decisions for ADHD. A study in Sweden followed thousands of individuals with ADHD for up to 14 years and found that those taking ADHD medications had a higher risk of hypertension and arterial disease, with the risk increasing over time.
ADHD medication.
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Each additional year of ADHD medication use increases the risk of heart disease by an average of 4%, with the risk stabilizing after the first three years of treatment. Overall, the study suggests that the risk of heart disease is 23% higher for those who have used ADHD medication for more than five years compared to those who did not take medication, although lower than previously reported.
Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring the heart health of patients with ADHD, as earlier research has shown that adults with ADHD have a higher overall risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the stimulants commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are known to elevate blood pressure, as they stimulate the nervous system to make the heart work harder.
Dr. Mitch Elkind, chief clinical science officer for the American Heart Association, stated that heart disease is uncommon in children, so pediatricians can usually handle younger patients with ADHD without needing a cardiologist's input. However, children with unique medical histories and adults with risk factors may require a more careful approach to ADHD medication. Dr. Elkind emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and it is truly a balancing act.
Roughly 1 out of 10 children between the ages of 3 and 17 have received a diagnosis of ADHD, based on information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, diagnoses of ADHD among adults are on the rise.
Experts advise that patients should be informed about the potential risks of ADHD medications, but should not be overly concerned.
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According to Dr. David Goodman, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, "In clinical practice, these changes are relatively insignificant in normally healthy adults. You need to weigh the benefit of the treatment against the relatively minimal risks, and patients will say the benefits are significant and worth it."
Goodman, also a member of the executive board of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders, is involved in a steering committee that is creating the initial official guidelines for diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. The committee intends to cover best practices for evaluating and monitoring cardiovascular risk in this documentation.
"I want to emphasize the significance of this," he stated, underlining the importance of screening for heart health in patients with ADHD before initiating treatment and consistently checking in.
"If an adult presents with hypertension and is already on medication for it, I would still prescribe stimulant medication but monitor their blood pressure and pulse more closely," he explained. "I have patients in their early 80s who would not want me to stop prescribing stimulant medication just because of their high blood pressure concerns."
ADHD patients can take charge of their own heart health by following the American Heart Association's "Life's Simple 7," which includes key health behaviors and factors that can impact an individual's risk for heart disease.
"According to Elkind, it's crucial to prioritize keeping blood pressure in check for individuals taking a stimulant. Additionally, it's essential to monitor blood sugar and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, avoid smoking, and ensure adequate sleep."
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According to the new study, researchers have expressed concern that the risk for cardiovascular disease might be underestimated, as certain cases of heart disease that do not yet require medical intervention may go undiagnosed. Additionally, the results could be affected by patients who fail to adhere to their prescribed medication regimen.
The study did not find evidence that ADHD medications directly cause heart disease. However, it emphasized the need to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits when deciding on long-term use of these medications for treating ADHD.
The researchers emphasized the importance of closely monitoring patients, especially those on higher doses, and regularly checking for signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease during treatment.
