Which lead is often used to assess the heart's anterior wall?

Lead V4 is positioned on the chest over the anterior wall of the heart, specifically in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. This location allows it to effectively capture the electrical activity of the left ventricle, particularly the anterior aspects.

When assessing the heart's anterior wall, it is crucial to focus on leads that provide a clear view of this area. Lead V4 is one of the precordial leads, and it is particularly sensitive to changes in the anterior wall, making it an essential lead for diagnosing conditions such as anterior myocardial infarctions.

In contrast, the other leads either provide a more lateral or inferior view, or do not capture the anterior wall effectively. Lead II primarily gives information about the inferior wall, Lead V1 is located closer to the right side of the heart and primarily represents the septal wall, while lead aVR is designed to look at the right shoulder and is not ideal for assessing the anterior wall of the heart. Thus, V4 stands out as the lead specifically suited for evaluating the anterior region.