Adenosine antagonists in the treatment and diagnosis of A-V node conduction disturbances

摘要

A method of relieving atrioventricular conduction block by administering to a human or animal an effective amount of an adenosine antagonist that competitively inhibits adenosine or that reduces the level of adenosine present in myocardial tissue and associated fluids. A method of diagnosing atrioventricular conduction block caused by ischemia of the heart by measuring the time delay between atrial and ventricular excitation before and after the administration of an adenosine antagonist. Specific antagonists disclosed include methylxanthines.