There are kids who have immense difficulty in controlling their behavior and they are categorized as hyperactive because they face trouble in paying attention and staying focused. These kids are said to suffer from ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Traditionally certain medicines were kept away from ADHD children, but a new study has stated that stimulant medicines can be used for ADHD children suffering from congenital heart disease without causing any serious cardiovascular side effects.
A Medical center in the US carried out a study, and the researchers have claimed that children with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and congenital heart problems can take stimulant medicines. The researchers study sample consisted of 44 children from the Children’s Heart Institute Kindervelt Neuro-developmental and Educational Clinic in Cincinnati, in the age group of 6 and 18.
These kids were compared to kids with similar heart conditions but who were not given stimulant treatment. The scientists found out that when these kids were provided stimulant medical treatments, they faced no alteration in cardiac vital conditions and “faced no risk of death.” The patient’s cardiologist has to be consulted and the stimulant medicines are to be prescribed under appropriate monitoring, only then can then be declared safe, state the researchers.
Julia Anixt, the study senior author, says “Children with congenital heart disease are at high risk for ADHD, but fears about cardiovascular side effects, including sudden death, limit the use of stimulant medications.” She also said “This study indicates that stimulants are both effective and safe when prescribed with appropriate monitoring and in collaboration with the patient’s cardiologist.”
Researchers also claimed that the kids with severe heart conditions and ADHD showed no changes in heart rate or blood pressure rather they showed a marked improvement in their symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Their improvement symptoms were collaborated on the basis of their results marked on the standardized rating scales.
