Global burden of ADHD medication-associated cardiovascular disease, 1967-2023: A comparative analysis using the WHO

Hanseul Cho1, Kyeongmin Lee2, Yi Deun Jeong1

  • 1Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.

Asian Journal of Psychiatry
|September 6, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications show varied cardiovascular risks. Amphetamines are linked to higher risks, while lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate appear safer for cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Cardiovascular Epidemiology
  • Psychopharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular risk assessment for ADHD medications is limited despite their sympathomimetic effects.
  • Global pharmacovigilance data offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between individual ADHD medications and cardiovascular disease (CVD) using global pharmacovigilance data.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized World Health Organization international pharmacovigilance database (1967-2023).
  • Calculated reporting odds ratios (ROR) and information components (IC) to assess medication-CVD associations.

Main Results:

  • ADHD medications were associated with increased overall CVD risk (ROR 1.60), particularly in females.
  • All drugs increased risk for torsade de pointes/QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction.
  • Amphetamines were uniquely linked to heart failure, stroke, and cardiac death; methylphenidate showed the lowest CVD association.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular risks associated with ADHD medications differ significantly.
  • Amphetamines present a higher CVD risk profile.
  • Lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate demonstrate comparatively better cardiovascular safety profiles.
Abstract

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