What leads would you analyze to assess for lateral wall ischemia?

To assess for lateral wall ischemia, the appropriate leads to analyze are those positioned to measure the electrical activity of the heart as it relates to the lateral aspect of the left ventricle. Leads I, aVL, V5, and V6 provide a view of the lateral wall due to their anatomical placement.

Lead I examines the left lateral part of the heart, while aVL offers a slightly more superior perspective of the lateral wall. Leads V5 and V6 are positioned on the left side of the chest and are specifically targeted for viewing the lateral wall's activity. Changes, such as elevation or depression in these leads, can indicate ischemia or other abnormalities affecting the lateral wall of the heart.

Leads II, III, and aVF focus mainly on the inferior wall of the heart, while leads I, aVR, and V3 do not adequately represent the lateral region. Similarly, leads V1, V2, and V3 are predominantly oriented toward the anterior wall and interventricular septum. Therefore, when assessing for lateral wall ischemia, analyzing I, aVL, V5, and V6 is essential for accurate interpretation.