What does significant Q waves and ST segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 typically indicate?

What does significant Q waves and ST segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 typically indicate?

• A. Acute inferior infarction
• B. Acute lateral infarction
• C. Acute anterior infarction
• D. Acute septal infarction

Answer: (C)

Significant Q waves and ST segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 typically indicate an acute anterior infarction. In the context of EKG interpretation, the presence of Q waves signals that there has been myocardial damage or necrosis. When these Q waves appear in the V1 and V2 leads, it suggests that the damage is affecting the anterior wall of the heart, specifically the area supplied by the left anterior descending artery (LAD).

Additionally, the ST segment elevation in the same leads reinforces the diagnosis of an acute injury to the myocardial tissue in the anterior region. This pattern is characteristic of a transmural infarction, which often occurs due to a complete blockage of a coronary artery.

Understanding the EKG representation and its relation to anatomical regions of the heart is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention in acute myocardial infarction cases.