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A Look at the Leads

Each of the 12 leads views the heart from a different angle. These illustrations show the direction of each lead relative to the wave of depolarization (shown in color) and list the 12 views of the heart.

Views reflected on a 12-lead ECGLeadsView of the heart

Stand ard limb leads (bipolar)
ILateral wall
IIInferior wall
IIIInferior wall
Augmented limb leads (unipolar)
aVRNo specific view
aVLLateral wall
aVFInferior wall

Precordial, or chest, leads (unipolar)
V1Septal wall
V2Septal wall
V3Anterior wall
V4Anterior wall
V5Lateral wall
V6Lateral wall