The ten electrodes combine to provide 12 views of the heart. The limb leads combine to provide the three bipolar leads (leads I, II, and III) and three augmented voltage leadsThese lead views are mathematically created from the limb electrodes to view the heart from three distinct positions towards the centre of the heart. Therefore, the augmented voltage right (aVR) views the right atria and ventricle from the right shoulder... More (aVR, aVL, and aVF). The three “augmented voltage” leads – aVR (right), aVL (left lateral) and aVF (foot) – provide three additional surface views of the heart.
Table 6.2 outlines the three views of the heart that are seen using the augmented leads. These lead viewsLocating the positive electrode is crucial to determining which area of the heart is viewed electrically. Metaphorically, the positive electrode serves as a mini-video camera aimed at the heart in the direction of the negative electrode. These leads and their... More are mathematically created from the limb electrodesThe 12-lead ECG provides 12 views of the heart. The 12 views are generated through only 10 electrodes. Four limb electrodes attach to the inner forearms and calves. The remaining 6 electrodes, labelled successively from V1 to V6, are attached... More to view the heart from three distinct positions towards the centre of the heart. Therefore, the augmented voltage right (aVR) views the right atriaRight and left atria (1/3 volume and muscle mass of the ventricles) pump blood to the ventricles. Chambers and Layers of the Heart 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 190 More and ventricle from the right shoulder (since the heart is generally situated more to the left of the mediastinumThe region of the thorax behind the sternum and in front of the spine – includes the heart, esophagus, trachea and the major vessels attached to the heart. The heart is a wondrous organ about the size of your fist,... More, aVR offers the most distant and least useful view of all the 12 leads). The augmented voltage left (aVL) views the left lateral aspect of the left ventricleThe left ventricle ejects blood into the aortic arch to the body. Within the arch, the coronary arteries branch off first followed by three main arteries that branch to the brain (carotids) and the upper thorax (subclavian artery). The chambers... More from the left shoulder. The augmented voltage foot lead (aVF) views the inferior surface of the heart (left and right ventricleThe right ventricle ejects blood through the main branches of the left and right pulmonary arteries to the lungs. The chambers of the heart are the main drivers within an intricate pathway, delivering blood to the lungs for gas exchange... More) from the feet. Together, the augmented voltage leads offer lateral and inferior views of the heart.
1. Six Second ECG GuidebookA Practice Guide to Basic and 12 Lead ECG Interpretation, written by Tracy Barill, 2012 Introduction The ability to correctly interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG), be it a simple six second strip or a 12 lead ECG, is a vital skill... More (2012), T Barill, p. 140