American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

Adenosine is a primary treatment option for narrow complex supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) due to its rapid action in the heart's conduction system. When administered intravenously, adenosine temporarily interrupts conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which can convert the SVT to a normal sinus rhythm. This is particularly effective in cases of reentrant tachycardias involving the AV node, such as AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) and AV reentrant tachycardia (AVRT).

The effectiveness of adenosine stems from its ability to cause a transient high-degree block in the AV node, thereby interrupting the abnormal electrical circuit that is sustaining the tachycardia. The rapid onset and short half-life of adenosine make it a suitable choice in emergency situations where immediate intervention is required.

While calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers can also be effective in managing SVTs, they typically have a slower onset of action compared to adenosine and are more commonly utilized for rate control rather than immediate conversion to sinus rhythm. Digoxin, on the other hand, is generally not the first-line treatment for acute episodes of SVT due to its slower effects