Lifetime ADHD symptoms highly prevalent in women with cardiovascular complaints. A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychiatry
• Women's Health

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality in women, necessitating exploration of all contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between lifetime Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and cardiovascular disease in a cohort of women presenting with cardiac complaints.
• To identify potential differences in cardiological profiles and demographics between women with and without ADHD symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted at a specialized Dutch cardiological clinic.
• Data were collected from 300 women with cardiac complaints, assessing lifetime ADHD symptoms through standardized diagnostic criteria.
• Demographic and cardiological data were compared between women with and without ADHD symptoms.

Main Results:

• Lifetime ADHD symptoms were identified in 35% of the studied women (n=300).
• Women with ADHD symptoms were significantly younger than those without ADHD.
• No significant differences were observed in the cardiological profiles between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a notable prevalence of ADHD symptoms among women with cardiac complaints.
• The younger age of women with ADHD symptoms warrants further investigation into potential early-onset cardiovascular risks.
• Multidisciplinary approaches are crucial for improving cardiovascular health outcomes in women with ADHD.