Health

Starting ADHD meds in adulthood may increase risk of heart disease, study says

By Mallika Marshall, MD

May 22, 2024 / 6:01 PM EDT / CBS Boston

Study says there's a higher risk of heart disease for adults who start ADHD medications

BOSTON - A new study finds adults who start taking ADHD medications may be at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

It's estimated that up to 5% of U.S. adults have the condition, but a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that those taking medication for the first time may have an elevated heart risk.

Researchers looked at tens of thousands of adult patients with ADHD and found that those initiating medications like Ritalin and Strattera may be more likely to have a stroke or develop heart failure over 10 years. Those taking larger doses appeared to be at higher risk compared to those taking lower doses or prior users.

That said, a lot more research needs to be done to confirm these results. And remember, this study involved adults, not children. The proper use of ADHD medications in kids does not appear to carry any long-term risk of heart disease or other serious health conditions.

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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