Which leads are considered inferior leads on an EKG?

Inferior leads on an EKG are those that reflect electrical activity of the inferior wall of the heart, primarily influenced by the right coronary artery in most individuals. The leads that are designated as inferior leads are II, III, and aVF. These leads are positioned in such a way that they capture the electrical signals coming from the inferior aspect of the heart.

Lead II runs along the axis from the right arm to the left leg, capturing signals from the inferior wall effectively. Lead III continues the pathway towards the left leg from the left arm, and lead aVF looks at the heart from the feet towards the heart's apex. This configuration allows these leads to specifically monitor the inferior wall of the left ventricle.

Understanding the anatomical orientation of the heart as it relates to these leads is critical for the identification of specific pathologies, such as inferior myocardial infarctions. Incorrect options feature leads that do not correspond to the inferior wall, either focusing on different regions or overriding leads that assess other parts of the heart.