The American Academy of Pediatrics has renewed the debate over heart tests for kids on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medication by announcing a new policy that most kids don't need a special cardiac screening.

"The pediatricians' group says advice earlier this year from the American Heart Association recommending EKGs was overzealous because these rare deaths are more common in the general population than among children on stimulants."

Approximately four million U.S. children have been diagnosed with ADHD, and about half of these children are being treated with stimulant medication. The academy agrees that children should get a thorough physical exam and their family history should be checked for heart problems, but feels EKGs are unnecessary in most cases. Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Labels: pediatricians, heart_test, stimulants

Posted By: Aspen Education Group