Monday, March 12, 2012

Electrical system, ST elevation, and lead placement

When we look at an EKG, the electrical system of the heart is what we are seeing.  Please note how the electrical system functions.  The way the EKG leads are placed on the body is how the electrical system is read.  The following diagram shows the limb lead and precordial lead positions and what is seen on the EKG. 
 Leads II, III, and AVF are the inferior leads and look at the inferior surface which is the right side of the heart. When there is ST elevation in these leads then there is an  inferior injury or myocardial infarction (MI) to the heart.  It is considered an ST elevation MI or STEMI.  Leads I, AVL, V5, and V6 are lateral leads.  When you look at the EKG and see ST elevation in these leads it is a left lateral wall MI as the EKG view is looking at the left lateral side of the heart.  Leads V1, V2, V3, and V4 view the anterior portion of the heart and when there is ST elevation in these leads it is considered an anterior MI as the EKG looks at the left ventricle which is the front of the heart. V1 and V2 also lies over the right ventricle and septum of the heart and are considered to be the leads for the septal portion of the heart.  Therefore, an injury or MI showing injury to V1, V2, V3, and V4 is considered an anterioseptal MI.  
When there is an understanding of the EKG lead placement and the electrical system of the heart and where each lead is looking at the heart it makes understanding the connection of what part of the heart the EKG is viewing easier.  When there is ST elevation in certain leads, there is a greater understanding of what part of the heart is having the injury take place. 
Continue to practice reviewing EKGs and look for EKGs that have ST elevation and look at those particular leads to see if you can tell what area of the heart is being affected.                     

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