6.12a - Posterior ECGs

If there is a suspected posterior myocardial infarction (MI), injury, or damage such as occlusion of the posterior descending coronary artery, the clinician may request additional leads to ______.

Improve viewing the posterior wall of the heart

What leads are added to view the posterior wall of the heart?

V7, V8, and V9

Where are leads V7, V8, and V9 placed?

On the patient’s back, to the left of the spinal cord

Which precordial leads change positions for the posterior view?

Leads V4, V5, and V6

Which leads remain in their standard position when viewing the posterior wall?

Leads V1 through V3

What is the purpose of placing an electrode in the V6 position without attaching a lead?

To use as a reference to place the three posterior leads

When correctly placed, leads V7, V8, and V9 will be in a ______.

Horizontal line to the electrode placed for lead V6

Where can lead V7 be placed?

By locating a posterior axillary line and using the lead labeled V4

Lead V9 is placed along an imaginary left ______.

Paraspinal line

Where is lead V8 placed?

Halfway between leads V7 and V9 using the lead marked V5

What line is lead V5 usually along when placed for the posterior view?

Midscapular line

How should the ECG be documented when V7, V8, and V9 are used?

Indicate that V7, V8, and V9 were captured in place of leads V4, V5, and V6 and labeled "Posterior ECG"