Electrocardiograms Not Mandatory for ADHD Youngsters
A full physical exam and screening for heart risk are a necessary step prior to medicating a hyperactive child with a stimulant drug, but an electrocardiogram is not a must according to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA has taken a step back from their earlier recommendation in April where they advocated taking an ECG as an essential measure before embarking on stimulant therapy.
Research has shown that while stimulants used to treat ADHD are known to raise blood pressure and heart rate, serious heart complications appear rare in kids who take the drugs. Undergoing an ECG would be reasonable but in some cases the ECG might result in false-positive readings, indicating heart risk where there is none.