Are ADD/ADHD Medications Compromising Health? February
celebrates American Heart Month—which is an important health
issue to follow, particularly for those with ADD/ADHD—as reports
have linked prescriptions for the disorder to heart problems.
With heart disease the leading cause of death for Americans,
taking precautions to prevent and control factors that put
people at greater risk, including proper nutrition, sleep,
exercise, and stress control, can greatly help. The AHA reports
suggest that33- 42% of pediatric heart patients also have
ADD/ADHD. More than2.5 million children in the U.S. are
currently taking prescription medications for ADD/ADHD, with an
estimated 4-12% with the condition itself. From 1999 to 2004,
the FDA reported 19 children on prescription ADD/ADHD medicine
who died suddenly, and 26 showed signs of heart complications,
including stroke, heart attack, pain, and/or heart palpitations
Monitoring intake of potentially harmful medication may also be
a key factor in staying healthy and avoiding