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EKG Debate a New Worry for ADHD Sufferers
As the debate stirs over whether to give electrocardiograms to children taking ADHD stimulant medications, parents wonder whom to believe.
30-Second Summary
In April 2008, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended that children with ADHD “have a thorough heart work-up, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), before taking stimulants such as Ritalin to treat the condition,” reported the Wall Street Journal.
Although stimulants “can increase blood pressure and heart rate and carry warnings about risks for sudden deaths in patients with heart problems,” according to USA Today, some physicians have spoken out in opposition to the EKG recommendation.
“Worth remembering is that the risk for sudden death associated with stimulant medication is extremely rare,” said Dr. Andrew Oakes-Lottridge to the Fort Meyers News Press.
Furthermore, the AHA recommendation was largely misconstrued as a requirement. In May, the AHA released a second statement that urged physicians to use their own judgment about the use of EKGs.
The American Academy of Pediatrics asserts that EKGs are unnecessary in most cases, and would require “costly heart work-ups,” possibly limiting “access to effective ADHD treatments.” A physical exam and check of family history are sufficient, said the academy.
Although stimulants “can increase blood pressure and heart rate and carry warnings about risks for sudden deaths in patients with heart problems,” according to USA Today, some physicians have spoken out in opposition to the EKG recommendation.
“Worth remembering is that the risk for sudden death associated with stimulant medication is extremely rare,” said Dr. Andrew Oakes-Lottridge to the Fort Meyers News Press.
Furthermore, the AHA recommendation was largely misconstrued as a requirement. In May, the AHA released a second statement that urged physicians to use their own judgment about the use of EKGs.
The American Academy of Pediatrics asserts that EKGs are unnecessary in most cases, and would require “costly heart work-ups,” possibly limiting “access to effective ADHD treatments.” A physical exam and check of family history are sufficient, said the academy.
Headline Link: Pediatrics group is skeptical
According to an article in USA Today, a disagreement has arisen between the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association (AHA) over whether children taking attention-deficit drugs should be screened with electrocardiogram tests (EKG). The pediatrics group says the tests, recommended by the AHA to prevent sudden deaths, are unnecessary in most cases.
Source: USA Today (AP)
Background: Doctors and experts question EKG
In April 2008, the AHA recommended that children with ADHD “should have a thorough heart work-up, including an electrocardiogram, before taking stimulants such as Ritalin to treat the condition,” reported The Wall Street Journal. However, experts debate the value of the recommendation.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
An article in the Orlando Sentinel discussed conflicting opinions among doctors regarding the EKG recommendation. Half of the sudden deaths of children taking ADHD medications were caused by unintentional overdoses, leading some doctors to deem the test unnecessary and not useful. Regardless, “many parents remain in the dark about the EKG recommendation,” the article said.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Related Topic: ADHD medication alternatives
The New York Times health blog “Well” discusses alternative ADHD treatments that have been used by patients to avoid unfavorable side effects of medications. Dietary changes, herbal therapy, vitamins and supplements, yoga and massage are among the alternatives, but “there is little research to guide patients,” says the blog.
Source: The New York Times
In February 2008, researchers in Stockholm, Switzerland, demonstrated that video training could improve the working memory of children with ADHD.
Source: Clinical Psychiatry News
Opinion & Analysis: A closer look at the EKG recommendation
According to Dr. Andrew Oakes-Lottridge, the initial concern was that ADD medications “might lead to sudden death in children with congenital heart defects.” The American Heart Association recommended that all children be thoroughly examined before taking stimulant medication for ADHD, in some cases including an electrocardiogram, but not in every case, said Dr. Oakes-Lottridge.
Source: News-Press
Reference: ADHD guide; AHA statement
The findingDulcinea Web Guide to ADHD provides online resources explaining the basics of the disorder, treatment information and support groups, advice for adults with ADHD, and the latest research and news on the disorder.
Source: findingDulcinea
An American Heart Association journal released a scientific statement on the “cardiovascular monitoring of children and adolescents with heart disease receiving medications for ADHD.” The article addressed giving EKGs to all children being considered for stimulant drug therapy, a “reasonable” recommendation despite the lack of clinical trials, said the AHA committee.
Source: American Heart Association
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