What is the effect of ADHD stimulant medication on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in a Community Sample of Children?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effect of ADHD diagnosis and stimulant medication for ADHD treatment on child heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in a community sample compared to children without ADHD. METHODS: Data came from the HBEAT Study. 2,013 participants from 49 schools from southern Ontario in grades 5-8 were included. Linear regression analyses examined the effects of ADHD medications on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Compared to non-ADHD children and adjusting for age, sex and BMI, children with ADHD on stimulant medication had a 12.3 bpm higher HR, and 3.0 mmHg higher SBP and DBP (all statistically significant). Children with ADHD on no stimulant medication had no differences in HR and BP compared to those children without a diagnosis of ADHD. CONCLUSION: Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are associated with elevated HR and higher BP. While it is unknown if children on ADHD medications may be at risk for longer term cardiovascular issues, this study supports the need to examine the long-term consequences of ADHD medication.