Heart rate variability of children with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity in drug treatment

Abstract

Attention Deficit Disorder / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by decreased attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It is a neurobiological condition, the basic genetic disorder that affects 3% to 7% of the population, including children, adolescents, and adults. There is evidence that ADHD is more prevalent in children with heart disease and that medical treatment has effects on cardiovascular parameters. Objective: To characterize the autonomic modulation and anthropometric profile of children with ADHD medication. Method: is a cross-sectional study, with twenty-five children from five to twelve years, users of the Service-Learning Center specializing in FMABC in the period from October/2012 to March/2013. The biological characteristics studied are weight, height, body composition, and autonomic modulation. The study of autonomic modulation is performed by analyzing linear indexes (in the time domain and frequency) and nonlinear indexes (Poincare plot) of the heart rate variability.(AU)