Where are V3 and V4 leads positioned?

Where are V3 and V4 leads positioned?

• A. Over the left side of the heart
• B. Over the interventricular septum
• C. Over the right side of the heart
• D. Over the apex of the heart

Answer: (B)

V3 and V4 leads are positioned over the interventricular septum and the apex of the heart. Specifically, V3 is placed midway between V2 and V4, while V4 is positioned in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. The focus of these leads is to visualize electrical activity in this critical area of the heart.

V3 effectively captures the electrical activity occurring in the septum, which is essential for diagnosing conditions such as septal infarcts. V4’s location, while also near the interventricular septum, emphasizes the apex, where significant cardiac activity is transpiring as the heart contracts and pumps blood into circulation. This strategic placement allows for detailed monitoring of the heart's anterior wall and any potential abnormalities that may arise in these regions.

By understanding their specific positioning, one can better appreciate how V3 and V4 contribute to the overall assessment of cardiac health in EKG interpretation.