Adenosine is a nucleoside that is composed of adenine and ribose. It is commonly found in the human body and plays a role in intracellular energy transfer processes. In medicine, adenosine is primarily used as a medication for diagnosing and treating certain heart conditions.
When used for diagnostic purposes, adenosine is administered intravenously to temporarily block the electrical conduction in the heart's atrioventricular (AV) node. This allows doctors to detect abnormalities in the heart's rhythm and/or structure that may be causing a patient's symptoms.
Adenosine is also used therapeutically as an anti-arrhythmic medication to treat certain types of arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). It works by slowing down the heart rate and promoting a return to normal sinus rhythm.
Another use for adenosine is in cardiac stress testing, where it is used to mimic the effects of exercise on the heart. This allows doctors to evaluate a patient's cardiovascular fitness and detect any abnormalities.
Overall, adenosine is an important medication in the field of cardiology and has proven to be both safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions.
Adenosine
Health Care Term
Adenosine is a nucleoside that is composed of adenine and ribose. It is commonly found in the human body and plays a role in intracellular energy transfer processes. In medicine, adenosine is primarily used as a medication for diagnosing and treating certain heart conditions.
When used for diagnostic purposes, adenosine is administered intravenously to temporarily block the electrical conduction in the heart's atrioventricular (AV) node. This allows doctors to detect abnormalities in the heart's rhythm and/or structure that may be causing a patient's symptoms.
Adenosine is also used therapeutically as an anti-arrhythmic medication to treat certain types of arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). It works by slowing down the heart rate and promoting a return to normal sinus rhythm.
Another use for adenosine is in cardiac stress testing, where it is used to mimic the effects of exercise on the heart. This allows doctors to evaluate a patient's cardiovascular fitness and detect any abnormalities.
Overall, adenosine is an important medication in the field of cardiology and has proven to be both safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions.