Anatomy
Summary
Electrocardiograms (ECGs) serve as a vital diagnostic instrument for assessing cardiac health. The leads of the ECG provide targeted insights into distinct regions of the myocardium, offering a comprehensive view of heart function. Leads II, III, and aVF are considered inferior leads, and they monitor areas primarily supplied by the right main coronary artery (RCA). Leads I and avL are lateral leads, drawing their blood supply from the left circumflex artery (LCX). Leads V1-V2 illumite the anteroseptal area of the heart, while leads V3-V4, and leads V5-V6 supply the anteroapical and anterolateral walls respectively. These zones are predominantly supplied by the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCX). Lastly, the posterior heart region relies on the precordial leads V7-V9, which are supplied by the posterior descending artery (PDA).
The onset of coronary ischemia is often accompanied by Levine's sign, as well as ST elevation on ECG. Myocardial infarction (MI) can lead to a range of severe complications, including papillary muscle rupture, a serious complication that usually occurs 3 to 5 days following an MI. The posteromedial muscle is more susceptible than the anterolateral muscle, primarily because it's solely supplied by the PDA. Rupture of the papillary muscles can lead to catastrophic mitral regurgitation and consequential pulmonary edema.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
ST-elevation on ECG is a sign of a blocked coronary artery, often indicating a myocardial infarction. This is referred to as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). When blood flow through a coronary artery is blocked, the deprived area of the heart suffers from ischemia and can progress to infarction if not promptly treated.
Levine's sign refers to a clenched fist held over the chest symbolizing chest pain, and is generally associated with ischemic chest pain in coronary artery disease. Such chest pain could be indicative of acute myocardial ischemia or infarction, necessitating immediate investigation and possible intervention, such as heart catheterization.
Posterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), associated with occlusion of the posterior descending artery (often a branch of the RCA), can potentially lead to severe complications such as arrhythmias, cardiac conduction defects, and cardiac rupture. Severe ischemia can lead to papillary muscle rupture, which may cause mitral regurgitation and subsequent pulmonary edema.
Leads I and avL on the ECG are known as lateral leads, and they monitor the lateral part of the heart. These leads are mainly supplied by the left circumflex artery (LCX). Changes in these leads can signify problems with the LCX and potentially affect the lateral myocardial region.
Inferior leads in an ECG, specifically leads II, III, and aVF, provide information about the inferior part of the heart. These leads are primarily supplied by the right main coronary artery (RCA). Any abnormalities in these leads can indicate issues with blood supply from the RCA to the inferior section of the heart.
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