CNN —Long-term use of ADHD medications can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease in both children and adults, according to a study published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry.
The researchers found that people taking ADHD medications had a higher risk of hypertension and arterial disease, and the risk increased over time.
Careful attention to the heart health of patients with ADHD is not new, experts say.
“I don’t want to minimize this,” he said, highlighting the importance of screening for heart health in ADHD patients before starting treatment and checking in regularly.
The risk for cardiovascular disease may be underestimated in the new study, the researchers wrote, as some heart disease that does not yet require medical care may not be diagnosed.
Persons:
CNN —, Mitch Elkind, there’s, “, ”, David Goodman, ” Goodman, ‘, ” Elkind, Dr, Sanjay Gupta
Organizations:
CNN, Psychiatry, American Heart Association . Children, US Centers for Disease Control, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, American Professional Society, CNN Health
Locations:
Sweden