What is the effect of adenosine on the heart during arrhythmia treatment?

Adenosine plays a crucial role in the management of certain types of arrhythmias, particularly reentrant tachycardias. Its primary effect on the heart is to slow conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. By acting on specific adenosine receptors, adenosine decreases the heart rate by inhibiting the conduction of electrical impulses through the AV node. This can effectively terminate some supraventricular tachycardias by interrupting the reentry circuit and allowing normal sinus rhythm to be restored.

The use of adenosine in clinical settings focuses on its ability to transiently block conduction in the AV node, leading to both diagnostic and therapeutic effects in arrhythmia management. This mechanism helps in controlling heart rate and stabilizing cardiac rhythm in patients experiencing arrhythmias.