ST elevations in leads I, aVL, V5, and V6 indicate infarction in which territory?

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Multiple Choice

ST elevations in leads I, aVL, V5, and V6 indicate infarction in which territory?

ST elevations in lateral-facing leads indicate injury to the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The leads I and aVL look at the high lateral surface, while V5 and V6 view the lateral (and sometimes the anterolateral) wall. When these leads are elevated, it points to infarction in that lateral territory, most often due to blockage of the left circumflex artery or its obtuse marginal branches. This pattern contrasts with anterior infarction (V1–V4), inferior infarction (II, III, aVF), or posterior infarction (which often shows reciprocal changes in the anterior leads, with posterior-specific leads sometimes needed).

ST elevations in lateral-facing leads indicate injury to the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The leads I and aVL look at the high lateral surface, while V5 and V6 view the lateral (and sometimes the anterolateral) wall. When these leads are elevated, it points to infarction in that lateral territory, most often due to blockage of the left circumflex artery or its obtuse marginal branches. This pattern contrasts with anterior infarction (V1–V4), inferior infarction (II, III, aVF), or posterior infarction (which often shows reciprocal changes in the anterior leads, with posterior-specific leads sometimes needed).

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