Parent Concerns About ADHD, Stimulant Drugs and Cardiac Testing for Kids (ContributorNetwork)

ContributorNetwork – For several years, health care providers have warned parents about pediatric heart problems associated with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) drugs. Medical wisdom said children should be given cardiac testing prior to being placed on stimulant drugs like Ritalin or Adderall. A new survey published by the American Academy of Pediatrics now shows that doctors are ambivalent about the necessity of cardiovascular counseling and testing before prescribing ADHD medications. Here are facts for parents about ADHD, drug therapy and heart problems in children.