Which leads are identified as lateral leads?

Which leads are identified as lateral leads?

• A. I and aVL
• B. II and III
• C. aVR and aVF
• D. V1 and V2

Answer: (A)

The lateral leads in an electrocardiogram (EKG) are specifically leads I and aVL. These leads provide a view of the heart's lateral wall, which is primarily supplied by the left circumflex artery.

Lead I records the electrical activity from the right arm to the left arm, capturing the lateral aspect of the heart, while lead aVL is oriented towards the left side, further emphasizing the lateral wall. Therefore, when assessing for conditions such as lateral ischemia or infarction, these leads are essential for identifying any alterations in the electrical activity of the heart associated with that area.

The other lead combinations provided do not represent the lateral leads; for instance, leads II and III would primarily provide insights into the inferior surface of the heart, while aVR and aVF relate more to the right side and inferior aspects, respectively. V1 and V2 focus on the anterior portion of the heart. Understanding the anatomical perspectives that each lead covers is crucial for interpreting an EKG effectively.