Which leads indicate lateral wall infarction on an EKG?

Lateral wall infarction on an EKG is indicated by changes in specific leads that assess the lateral aspect of the heart. The correct choice highlights leads I, aVL, V5, and V6, which correspond to this area.

Leads I and aVL are part of the limb leads that monitor the lateral wall of the left ventricle, as they view the heart from the left side. Additionally, V5 and V6, part of the precordial leads, also evaluate the lateral wall. When there is an infarction in this region, one will typically observe ST elevation or pathological Q waves in these leads, reflecting the ischemic changes associated with damage to the lateral myocardial wall.

In contrast, other choices include leads that either assess different areas of the heart or do not specifically correspond to the lateral wall. For instance, the leads V1-4 focus more on the anterior wall and do not provide information about lateral ischemic changes. Leads II, III, and aVF are oriented towards the inferior wall, while leads I, aVL, and V4-6 would incorrectly suggest broader involvement not specifically indicative of lateral wall infarction.

Understanding the relationship between lead placement and the corresponding myocardial regions is crucial in interpreting