Table of Contents
What position is the patient placed in for the EKG?
The standard 12-lead ECG is generally performed with the patient lying quietly in the supine position. Care should be taken to ensure that the skin is clean and trimmed of excess hair in the areas in which the leads are to be placed.
Where is lead2 placed?

Leads II, III and aVF are leads that have their positive electrode located at the left foot. They are contiguous leads that all look at the inferior wall of the left ventricle. Leads I and aVL are leads that have their positive electrode located on the left arm.
Where does V6 need to be placed?
Follow this line of the 5th intercostal space a little further until you are immediately below the centre point of the axilla, (mid-axilla). This is the position for V6.
Do you have to lay flat for an EKG?
EKGs are easily performed in a doctor’s office or hospital, where you’ll be asked to lie down as sticky pads (electrodes) are attached to your chest and limbs.
Why does body position affect ECG?
Changes in body position are known to cause changes in the ECG mainly in the electrical axis, QRS amplitude, ST segment, and T wave. These shifts have been attributed to changes in the anatomical orientation of the heart in the chest cavity, changes in lung volume, and change of electrode contact with the skin.

What is ECG lead2?
To assess the cardiac rhythm accurately, a prolonged recording from one lead is used to provide a rhythm strip. Lead II, which usually gives a good view of the P wave, is most commonly used to record the rhythm strip.
What is aVR aVL and aVF?
aVR means augmented Vector Right; the positive electrode is on the right shoulder. aVL means augmented Vector Left; the positive electrode is on the left shoulder. aVF means augmented Vector Foot; the positive electrode is on the foot.
What is V2 and V3 in ECG?
The electrical activity on an ECG (EKG). The areas represented on the ECG are summarized below: V1, V2 = RV. V3, V4 = septum. V5, V6 = L side of the heart.
How do you place a 6 lead ECG?
A complete set of right-sided leads is obtained by placing leads V1-6 in a mirror-image position on the right side of the chest (see diagram, below). It can be simpler to leave V1 and V2 in their usual positions and just transfer leads V3-6 to the right side of the chest (i.e. V3R to V6R).
How do you administer an EKG?
Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires. The electrical activity of the heart is then measured, interpreted, and printed out. No electricity is sent into the body.
Do you lay down during an echocardiogram?
What to Expect During the Echocardiogram. You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up. Women can wear a gown during the test. You will be asked to lie down on your left side on the exam table.
Does lying down affect ECG?
It was concluded that (1) right and left side-lying positions frequently induce clinically significant ECG changes; (2) positional ST-segment deviation is less frequent than previously reported and is most likely to occur in males with cardiac disease; and (3) the derived method is less prone to positional QRS changes …
Can you take an ECG lying down?
You will lie on a bed or table. Parts of your arms, legs, and chest will be cleaned and may be shaved. Small pads or patches (electrodes) will be placed, like stickers, on your skin on each arm and leg and on your chest. The electrodes are hooked to a machine that traces your heart activity onto a paper.
What does aVR aVL and aVF stand for?
Why is einthoven’s triangle important?
Einthoven’s triangle can be helpful in the identification in incorrect placement of leads. Incorrect placement of leads can lead to error in the recording, which can ultimately lead to misdiagnosis. If the arm electrodes are reversed, lead I changes polarity, causing lead II and lead III to switch.
What is the meaning of V1 V2 V3 V4 in ECG?
The areas represented on the ECG are summarized below: V1, V2 = RV. V3, V4 = septum. V5, V6 = L side of the heart. Lead I = L side of the heart.
Can electrodes be placed in positions other than described in ECG?
In certain patients, in case of suspicion of posterior or right ventricle myocardial infarction, it is advisable to place the electrodes in positions other than described to obtain the posterior and right-sided leads. Remember: electrodes should not be confused with leads.
How is an EKG done at the bedside?
This is done at the bedside with a machine. The machine analyzes various angles of the heart and interprets the patient’s heart rhythm and rate. You can tell so much about a patient’s cardiac status from an EKG.
Where are the 4 limb electrodes on an EKG?
Limb Electrodes: The four limb electrodes should be located on the arms and legs distal to the shoulders and hips 1. They are usually differentiated with a different color for each one (read tips for placing EKG electrodes).
What are electrocardiogram leads and electrodes?
Electrodes refer to the devices we place on the patient and leads refer to the tracing of the electrical activity on the electrocardiogram. In the next section we will further explain electrocardiogram leads. Click on next down below to stay with us.