Key result
ADHD medications modestly raise resting heart rate and blood pressure, with sparse long-term CV safety data.
Why the study?
Do ADHD medications cause cardiovascular toxicity in patients with ADHD?
Systematic Review
Do ADHD medications cause cardiovascular toxicity in patients with ADHD?
ADHD stimulant medications are associated with modest increases in heart rate and blood pressure and potential rare cardiovascular events, highlighting the need for further long-term safety studies.
Although the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been stable over the past 3 decades, prescriptions of sympathomimetic stimulants have steadily increased in the United States. This study consisted of a systematic review of PubMed articles screened for ADHD medications and potential cardiovascular toxicity as well as nondrug strategies for managing ADHD. The cumulative body of data showed that ADHD medications cause modest elevations in resting heart rate and blood pressure. Other adverse effects reported with ADHD stimulants included arrhythmia, nonischemic cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and sudden death. However, such reports did not imply causation, and there was a paucity of randomized trial evidence addressing long-term safety of ADHD medications, particularly among adults. Further studies are essential to clarify the risks and benefits of ADHD stimulant medications and to explore nonpharmacological options, including regular exercise and omega-3 fatty acids, which could be helpful for improving ADHD symptoms.
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Torres-Acosta et al. (2020) conducted a systematic review in Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD medications was evaluated on Cardiovascular toxicity (resting heart rate, blood pressure, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, sudden death). ADHD medications cause modest elevations in resting heart rate and blood pressure, though long-term randomized trial evidence regarding cardiovascular safety remains sparse.
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