On April 21, the American Heart Association issued a statement on cardiovascular care of children on stimulant medications for ADD/ADHD. Included in this statement is the recommendation that all children be screened not only with a careful history and physical exam but also with an ECG (“EKG”) before starting medication.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) was not consulted or notified about this recommendation. In a statement issued the next day, the AAP noted that it does not recommend an ECG for every patient before starting medication for ADD/ADHD.
This story is making news; however, it remains a little unclear what the final recommendation will be. Until then, children should continue to be carefully screened with personal and family history and a physical exam, and an ECG when indicated.
