UPDATE -Media Coverage: American Heart Association Recommends Tests Before Putting Children on ADHD Medication - Comments From Carilion Clinic

The American Heart Association stated Tuesday that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should have heart tests before they are treated with stimulant drugs such as Ritalin. Click below to view coverage by WSLS-TV and the Roanoke Times... both include comments from Carilion Clinic physicians.



The AHA statement said:

• The side effects of stimulant drugs, like those used to treat ADHD are usually insignificant, but are important to monitor for children with ADHD and certain heart conditions.
• Children diagnosed with ADHD should receive an electrocardiogram (ECG) to rule out heart abnormalities before beginning treatment with stimulant drugs.
• Children currently taking stimulant drugs who did not have an ECG prior to treatment should get an ECG.

Read the entire news release here.










Carilion Clinic Pediatric Cardiologist William Gay, MD, and Chair of Pediatrics Alice Ackerman, MD say children who are currently taking medication should not stop without talking to their doctor. Click here to listen to an excerpt of their conversation.