Inverted T waves caused by ischemia are most pronounced on which leads?

Inverted T waves caused by ischemia are most pronounced on which leads?

• A. Inferior leads II, III, aVF
• B. Lateral leads I, aVL
• C. Chest leads V1-V6, especially V2-V6
• D. Precordial leads V5-V6

Answer: (C)

Inverted T waves resulting from ischemia are indeed most noticeable in the chest leads, particularly V2 to V6. This is primarily due to the anatomical placement of these leads, which provides a direct view of the left ventricle's electrical activity and associated pathologies. When ischemia affects the myocardium, the resulting changes in repolarization manifest as T wave inversions, particularly in the leads that are spatially aligned with the affected areas of the heart.

Leads V2 to V6 are sensitive to changes in the anterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle, which are often compromised during ischemic events. As such, any ischemic changes in these regions can prominently reflect on the EKG as inverted T waves, making these leads crucial for assessing the extent and location of myocardial ischemia. The distinctive sensitivity in these leads enhances their diagnostic utility when interpreting EKGs in the context of cardiac conditions.