The Correlation Between Congenital Heart Disease and The Risk of ADHD in Children

Abstract

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect in the world, and patients are more prone to intellectual functioning deficits, developmental issues, and academic performance issues. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). While cardiac patients with ADHD symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed and, as a result, undertreated, this study examines the association between CHD and the risk of ADHD, including the effect of cardiac surgery on children. The data for this study was compiled by searching multiple databases using pertinent keywords. Through school age and adolescence, children with CHD have an elevated risk of neurodevelopmental impairment, specifically ADHD. In children with surgically corrected ADHD, inattention becomes the predominant subtype, and scores were significantly increased. However, the severity of the symptoms is reduced if cardiac surgery is performed at a young age. This association leads to alterations in behavior associated with hypoxic-ischemic mechanisms that occur in oxygen-sensitive regions. To improve the quality of life of children with CHD, surveillance, screening, evaluation, and management strategies for ADHD should be promoted regardless of their specific cardiac diagnosis.