What anatomical representation does the V2 lead provide in an EKG?

What anatomical representation does the V2 lead provide in an EKG?

• A. A straight line through the left arm
• B. A straight line from front to back of the patient
• C. A straight line along the horizontal plane
• D. A straight line from head to foot

Answer: (B)

The V2 lead provides a view of the heart that can be understood as a representation from front to back of the patient. When placed on the chest, V2 is positioned in the fourth intercostal space at the left sternal border. This location allows for the assessment of the electrical activity of the heart from a perspective that predominantly captures the anterior wall and portions of the septum.

In this context, the positioning of V2 is crucial as it provides insights into certain cardiac conditions, particularly involving the anterior and septal regions of the left ventricle. This leads to a comprehensive understanding of heart dynamics as the electrical signals are picked up in a manner that reflects the heart's three-dimensional orientation from a frontal perspective.

Understanding the anatomical representation of the V2 lead is essential for effective EKG interpretation since it aids in identifying abnormalities such as ischemia or infarction in the specified areas of the heart.