For what condition is Adenosine typically indicated?

Adenosine is primarily indicated for the treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). This condition is characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles, often causing symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or even syncope. Adenosine acts rapidly to interrupt the re-entrant pathways in the atrioventricular (AV) node, effectively slowing or temporarily blocking conduction. This creates a momentary pause in the heart’s electrical activity, allowing the normal sinus rhythm to potentially resume.

In contrast, the other conditions listed—atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and congestive heart failure—are not effectively treated with adenosine. While atrial fibrillation may involve a fast heart rate, it typically requires a different approach to rhythm control or rate control. Ventricular tachycardia, which arises from the ventricles and can be life-threatening, is treated with other antiarrhythmic medications or electrical interventions. Congestive heart failure is a condition related to the heart's pumping ability, and adenosine does not address the underlying issues related to heart failure.

Therefore, the primary use of adenosine is specifically for the management of SVT, where