
Help and Feedback
FAQsMake a Content SuggestionContact UsCompany
About UsOur StoryThe TeamAusmed for TeamsBrand GuideCPD Guide© 2021 Ausmed Education Pty Ltd (ABN: 33 107 354 441)
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a reading assessing the magnitude and direction of the electrical currents of the heart, measuring the depolarisation and repolarisation of the cardiac muscle cells.
Purpose of an ECG
(Note: There are 10 leads used in a 12-lead ECG. 10-leads provide 12 views of the heart.)
ECG Step-by-step:
‘Angle of Louis’ method for ECG placement
To locate the space for V1; locate the sternal notch (Angle of Louis) at the second rib and feel down the sternal border until the fourth intercostal space is found. V1 is placed to the right of the sternal border, and V2 is placed at the left of the sternal border.
Next, V4 should be placed before V3. V4 should be placed in the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line (as if drawing a line downwards from the centre of the patient’s clavicle).
V3 is placed directly between V2 and V4. V5 is placed directly between V4 and V6. V6 is placed over the fifth intercostal space at the mid-axillary line. V4-V6 should line up horizontally along the fifth intercostal space.