Locating 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 corresponding electrodes do not sit right on the heart. Rather, their vantage points offer a surface, frontal view of the heart. Figure 4.2 depicts the regions viewed by each lead in the 3 lead system.
Figure 4.2 illustrates the views of the three lead system. Each of the leads view the heart from the perspective of the positive electrode towards the negative electrode.
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... (2012), T Barill, p. 67