Key summary:

 

Among the common medications treating ADHD, atomoxetine (Strattera®) and amphetamine (Adderall®) were suggested to be associated with a small increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure* and heart rate in children and adolescents. Meanwhile, Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) was only found to be associated with a small increase in systolic pressure. Increased blood pressure and heart rate are often indicators for potential cardiovascular events. Only 12.6% of the participants reported experiences of short-term cardiovascular effects that can be resolved spontaneously or by dose changes. Further research should be done to investigate any possible long-term consequences of cardiovascular effects. Nevertheless, it is important to monitor the cardiovascular parameters of ADHD patients.

 

(* Systolic blood pressure refers to the top number on your blood pressure reading, it measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number and it measures the pressure in the arteries between heart beats, as the heart rests.)