ADHD Meds Do Not Increase Risk Of Heart Disease In Adults, Confirms Recent Study

This is a guest post by Jane Smith. Thanks to Jane.

Various news outlets confirm the findings in an article published the Journal of the American Medical Association which lay to rest fears about the possible correlation between ADHD medication and heart disease. The study began years ago as a result of public speculation as to whether or not people with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) would be at greater risk of heart disease after they take medications for their disorder. Specifically, many of the drugs used to treat symptoms of ADHD are categorized as stimulants, such as the active ingredients in Adderall and Ritalin (amphetamine and methylphenidate, respectively).  Concern began to arise over the dangers that could arise if adults who were predisposed to heart conditions would be more likely to suffer from heart disease upon taking these ADHD medications. Now after years of trials and tests, scientists deny that there’s any risk of heart disease upon taking the medication. But what do these findings specifically entail for someone with ADHD?

Little cause for concern

During the course of the study, scientists compared the medical records of patients taking ADHD medications to those who weren’t, looking for cases where either group suffered from heart diseases including heart attack and stroke. Sources state that the scientists compared the data of almost 450,000 patients, and after thorough analysis they concluded no discernable correlation between the use of ADHD medications and heart disease. The news is welcome to people who were hesitant to take popular ADHD medication for fear of affecting their heart health. As heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, there was good reason for adults to voice concerns over the drugs until a proper study was conducted. People suffering from the disorder can rest assured that, on average, no aberrant heart effects should occur on account of their medication.

The study affirms the lack of any link between heart disease and various ADHD medications, putting to rest the idea that while one medication may help the patient, another could trigger adverse heart troubles. Not a single ADHD medication proved to negatively affect adult heart health.

A real disorder with real symptoms

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition often marginalized by popular media as a bad case of overstimulation. But the disorder is real, and the effects take a toll on those afflicted with it. Millions of American children, adolescents, and adults suffer from the disorder, which is often characterized by excessively impulsive activity, chronic restlessness and inattention, and a general hyperactivity. It prevents children from learning in a classroom environment and stunts the professional growth of adults on the job. Though the symptoms of the disorder can be treated by the drugs mentioned above, there’s no out and out cure for the disorder. Those with ADHD whose symptoms persist usually take medication all their lives, so this study comes as a relief to those worried about potential heart-related side effects.

To view the full report published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, visit their website here.

Byline:

Jane Smith is a freelance writer and blogger. She writes about criminal background check for Backgroundcheck.org. Questions and comments can be sent to: janesmth161 @ gmail.com