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The American Heart Association (AHA) released a statement on cardiovascular monitoring in children and adolescents who receive stimulant medication in which it supports electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring as part of the evaluation. The statement is based on data from studies of various aspects of child health, including causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ECG screening programs to detect underlying cardiac disease. Highlights of the report include:
About 2.5 million children in the U.S. are prescribed stimulants for ADHD.
From 1999 through 2003, 19 sudden deaths and 26 cardiovascular events were reported in children aged 18 years and younger who received ADHD medications.
SCD occurs in 1000 to 7000 U.S. children annually: Causes include hy…