Researchers at the University of Colorado have reported potential cardiac risks associated with ADHD medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. Their findings were published in Science Advances. The study highlights concerns about heart rhythm problems, heart muscle disease, and the possibility of severe cardiac events linked to these drugs.
ADHD is recognized as a developmental neurobehavioral condition characterized by hyperactivity, difficulties with attention, and impaired concentration. Medication therapy with stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin has become common to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning in many patients.
To assess the health impact of these medications, investigators analyzed data from nearly 26,000 participants including individuals with ADHD and healthy volunteers aged 20 to 40. After collecting comprehensive participant information and conducting thorough examinations, the study followed participants for about ten years to observe long-term outcomes.
By the end of the follow-up period, findings indicated that individuals with ADHD who used these stimulant medications for one year were 17% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy compared with healthy controls. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that can lead to an enlarged heart and reduced heart function. The study also found that long-term use beyond eight years was associated with a 57% higher risk of developing the same heart muscle condition.
Cardiomyopathy can disrupt the heart’s rhythm and lead to arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats. Ongoing arrhythmias can contribute to serious outcomes such as stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest, underscoring the potential gravity of long-term stimulant exposure on cardiac health.
These observations align with broader concerns about premature vascular aging and the long term cardiovascular safety profile of stimulant medications used for ADHD. Researchers emphasize the importance of clinicians weighing benefits against potential risks, particularly for patients with preexisting heart conditions or those who require extended treatment durations. Ongoing monitoring of heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiac function is advised for patients on these therapies. The authors note that while the results signal possible associations, they do not prove a direct cause and effect and call for further investigation to clarify mechanisms and identify subgroups that may be most at risk. Attribution for the study is provided to the team behind the work and the journal Science Advances.