Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed during childhood. Patients present with hyperactive-impulsive behavior and/or inappropriate inattention which may persist through adulthood. Central nervous system stimulants have been used to manage patients with ADHD. Methylphenidate which is used as a first-line therapy has been shown to have adverse cardiovascular effects in these patients. This is a case of a young male with a history of ADHD since childhood on methylphenidate who was diagnosed with acute non-ischemic heart failure with an ejection fraction of 15-20%. Methylphenidate-induced heart failure is the rare adverse effect seen in ADHD patients who are on this medication. Our patient was started on goal-directed medical therapy for heart failure and was discharged with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (LifeVest®, ZOLL, Pittsburgh, PA) because of his persistently low left ventricular ejection fraction. It is important for physicians to always consider heart failure as a possible cardiovascular adverse effect when starting patients on methylphenidate for the management of ADHD.
Keywords: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd); central nervous system stimulant; heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; implantable cardioverter defibrillator (icd); methylphenidate.
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