Why is a 5-lead ECG used?

5-lead monitoring is the same as 3-lead monitoring, but with two additional electrodes that enable the monitoring of extra leads and help improve ST elevation readings (Cables and Sensors 2016). It is able to monitor the leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF and V (Phillips 2008).

Why is it called a 5-lead ECG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive method of monitoring the electrophysiology of the heart. Electrodes are placed on the patient’s torso, and the electrical activity of the heart is measured from several leads (voltage difference between electrodes). 5-lead monitoring uses five electrodes.

Are V2 and V3 contiguous leads?

For example, leads V3 and V4 are contiguous; V1 and V2 are also contiguous; aVL and I are also contiguous; V3 and V5 are not contiguous, because lead V4 is placed between these leads. J point elevation of ≥1 mm is considered significant in all leads except leads V2 and V3.

What does T wave inversion in V1 and V2 mean?

The T wave is the ECG manifestation of ventricular repolarization of the cardiac electrical cycle. The T wave is normally upright in leads I, II, and V3 to V6; inverted in lead aVR; and variable in leads III, aVL, aVF, V1, and V2. Thus, T-wave inversions in leads V1 and V2 may be fully normal.

Why it is called 12 lead ECG?

The standard ECG – which is referred to as a 12-lead ECG since it includes 12 leads – is obtained using 10 electrodes. These 12 leads consists of two sets of ECG leads: limb leads and chest leads. The chest leads may also be referred to as precordial leads.

What are leads I II and III?

Leads I, II, III, aVF, aVL and aVR are all derived using three electrodes, which are placed on the right arm, the left arm and the left leg. Given the electrode placements, in relation to the heart, these leads primarily detect electrical activity in the frontal plane.