Author/Authors :
Sinha, A. Division of Cardiology - Saint Luke’s University Health Network, USA , Lewis, O. Division of Pulmonary Medicine - Department of Internal Medicine, USA , Kumar, R. Department of Internal Medicine - Howard University Hospital, USA , Yeruva, S. L. H. Division of Hematology & Oncology - Department of Internal Medicine - Howard University Hospital, USA , Curry, B. H. Division of Cardiology - Howard University Hospital, USA
Abstract :
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobiological disorder exhibited by difficulty maintaining
attention, as well as hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the first line of treatment
for ADHD. With the increase in number of adults on CNS stimulants, the question that arises is how well do we understand
the long-term cardiovascular effects of these drugs. There has been increasing concern that adults with ADHD are at greater risk
for developing adverse cardiovascular events such as sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke as compared to pediatric
population. Cardiovascular response attributed to ADHD medication has mainly been observed in heart rate and blood pressure
elevations, while less is known about the etiology of rare cardiovascular events like acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arrhythmia,
and cardiomyopathy and its long-term sequelae. We present a unique case of AMI in an adult taking Adderall (mixed amphetamine
salts) and briefly discuss the literature relevant to the cardiovascular safety of CNS stimulants for adult ADHD.
