Stress testing

Adenosine has quickly established itself within just a few years as a safe and effective pharmacological provocation.

Adenosine stress testing (echocardiography or myocardial scintigraphy) is indicated in patients with suspected coronary heart disease or unable to perform a normal exercise stress test.

Adenosine’s potent vasodilatory properties in resistance vessels in the heart cause a dose-dependent vasodilation chiefly in non-arteriosclerotic vascular beds.

This means that intravenous infusion of adenosine will produce a redistribution of the blood flow from arteriosclerotic vascular beds to more normal areas (coronary steal phenomenon) in patients with cardiosclerosis. At the same time, adenosine’s general vasodilatory effect brings out a reflexogenic increase in the inotropic and chronotropic effects of the heart, leading to increased cardiac work.

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