Put simply, a lead is like a perspective. Do not use nipples as reference points in placing electrodes for both men and women as nipple locations vary from one person to another.Ī lead is a glimpse of the electrical activity of the heart from a particular angle.For female patients, place leads V3-V6 under the left breast.For instance, do not attach an electrode on the right wrist and one on the left upper arm. However, there should be uniformity in your placement. The limb leads can also be placed on the upper arms and thighs.Chest (Precordial) Electrodes and PlacementĪdditional notes on 12-lead ECG Placement: In a 12-lead ECG, there are 12 leads calculated using 10 electrodes. To measure the heart's electrical activity accurately, proper electrode placement is crucial. It helps EMS and hospital staff to quickly identify patients who have STEMI (ST elevation myocardial infarction or in other words, heart attack) and perform appropriate medical intervention based on initial readings. The main purpose of the 12-lead ECG is to screen patients for possible cardiac ischemia. These electrodes are connected to a machine that registers the heart's electrical activity. These 12 views are collected by placing electrodes or small, sticky patches on the chest (precordial), wrists, and ankles. Think of it as 12 different points of view of an object woven together to create a cohesive story - the ECG interpretation. A 12-lead ECG paints a complete picture of the heart's electrical activity by recording information through 12 different perspectives.
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December 2022
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