Have you ever heard of long term heart problems from years on ritalin (methylphenidate)? why would they prescribe these meds with these possible effects?

None are chronic Except One: Cardiovascular side effects have rarely included changes in blood pressure and pulse rate, cerebral arteritis, occlusion, angina, arrhythmia, palpitations, bradycardia, extrasystoles, ventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, raynaud's phenomenon, and tachycardia. A case of cardiac arrest has also been reported. Additionally, cerebrovascular vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhages from www.Drugs.Com.

Rarely, heart rhythm: There is a tiny risk of rhythm problems in your heart if you take ritalin (methylphenidate). But the benefit is much greater than the very small risk, which is not unusual with many useful medicines. So you have to balance the risk with the benefit.