Which leads are considered the left chest leads?

Which leads are considered the left chest leads?

• A. V1 and V2
• B. V3 and V4
• C. V5 and V6
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

The left chest leads in a standard 12-lead EKG are V5 and V6. These leads are positioned on the left side of the chest and provide valuable information about the lateral aspect of the heart, particularly the left ventricle.

V5 is typically placed in the anterior axillary line at the same level as V4, while V6 is positioned in the mid-axillary line at the same horizontal level. These leads are crucial for assessing conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy and ischemia affecting the lateral wall of the heart. Their placement allows for a direct view of electrical activity emanating from this area, making them integral in diagnosing specific cardiac conditions.

In contrast, V1 and V2 are located on the right side of the chest and primarily assess the right ventricle and the interventricular septum, while V3 and V4 provide information about the anterior wall. Therefore, identifying V5 and V6 as the left chest leads is essential for proper EKG interpretation.