Heart check before meds | ADHD Information

I don't know whether it's recommended or not but my son never had one before he started stimulants.  My son did have an EKG when he was put on Tenex (in addition to his Ritalin) but I think that's because it's a blood pressure medicine.  I've heard mixed messages about the effect on the heart but the overwhelming info that I've seen is that there shouldn't be any worries unless she has a previous heart condition and if she did I would think you would know already.I  think it should be the protocol for any one before starting med's because sometimes people are born with abnormalities of the heart that they are unaware of. Otherwise if med's are taken and something happens, the med's are blamed when in reality, its the pediatrician or general practitioner that should take responsibility for a mishap because they failed to inform the parent or patient that it would be wise to see a cardiologist and get a clean bill of health before starting med's. That is my humble opinion and I do live by my words because while my son had no heart problems I was aware of, I still took him to a cardiologist to get clearance. Med's are totally safe when taken as prescribed and that applies to all med's but its wise to take extra precaution

My 10 yr old son had a complete work up including cardio and a MRI.  Our pediactric neurologist is very conservative and wanted to make sure there were no possible problems.  Another factor for us was my son was adopted at birth, so his medical history has a few holes. 

I was happy to go along--deciding to have him take meds was hard enough, at least we had the knowledge that he was in good health.  He takes focalin XR and clonidine at night.

I am new to this message board and appreciate the information shared here and the support given.  I was wondering how you all feel about how extensively a child's heart should be checked before starting on medication. My 11 year old daughter is supposed to start and the doctor said her heart sounded fine and her pediatrician had never raised any red flags, but I just can't help but worry.  I'm thinking of calling back and at least requesting an EKG (or is it eeg I'm not sure) And would that be enough to detect any underlying missed problems?  Any input you can give would be greatly appreciated.   Thank you for the feedback.  i did get her an EKG and the cardiologist cleared her to start the medication based on that, but said that normally they do a full work up and recommended that she get one in the future.  So she's getting one tomorrow before she starts the medicine. 

You are so right--it is a hard enough decision to start a child on meds.  I want to go into it with as clear a  mind as possible.  I think I might be looking for a new, more conservative neurologist.  I don't think we are a good doctor patient match, and I see more and more how important that is.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to which is more beneficial, a neurologist or psychiatrist?
My son has never been to a neurologist so I don't know much about how well they do with the meds.  My son sees a psychiatrist and we've been very happy!  When he first went on meds they were prescribed by his pediatrician in conjunction with a child psychologist specializing in ADHD. When we couldn't seem to get the mixture right they sent him to a psychiatrist and wow what a difference!  Psychiatrists are basically "medicine experts".  That's all they do and all they deal with so as long as they are experienced with ADHD they should be good for you.  Good luck!