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Multiple Choice

Which ECG leads correspond to a lateral myocardial infarction?

Lateral myocardial infarction shows up on the ECG as ST elevations in the leads that view the lateral wall of the left ventricle. Those are leads I and aVL (the high lateral view) and V5 and V6 (the lower lateral precordial views). This pattern reflects injury to the lateral wall, typically supplied by the left circumflex artery (and its branches). In contrast, inferior involvement shows up in II, III, and aVF, while anterior/septal involvement shows up in V1–V4, and aVR is not the primary lead for lateral changes. So the leads that best indicate a lateral MI are I, aVL, V5, and V6.

Lateral myocardial infarction shows up on the ECG as ST elevations in the leads that view the lateral wall of the left ventricle. Those are leads I and aVL (the high lateral view) and V5 and V6 (the lower lateral precordial views). This pattern reflects injury to the lateral wall, typically supplied by the left circumflex artery (and its branches). In contrast, inferior involvement shows up in II, III, and aVF, while anterior/septal involvement shows up in V1–V4, and aVR is not the primary lead for lateral changes. So the leads that best indicate a lateral MI are I, aVL, V5, and V6.