We are getting ready to start covering 12-leads in class and I would really like some help before I get there. I'm looking for any pointers or any tips or shortcuts that anyone might know or might have found that can help me interpret a 12-lead.
rid, I've searched your posts and have pulled so many useful links that you have given that either teaches me something new or expands on what I already have.
It's always a good idea to really brush up on your cardiac A&P before taking any 12 lead class - having the physiology fresh in your mind will help you understand the different types of MI and their associated 'quirks'.
Also, not sure where you're from, but here in MO Bob Page teaches an excellent course on 12 leads, and has a book out too -
check out: www.multileadmedics.com
3 leads (limb leads) I, II, III
6 Vector leads - V1-V6
3 Augmented voltage (aV) leads - aVR(right), aVL(left), and aVF(foot).
3+3+6=12 views
the green RL (right leg) lead is there for the aug leads, these leads are a summation of the other leads, and essentially form a set of axes 60° apart but are rotated 30° from the axes of the standard limb leads (I, II, III).
If you can take a 12-Lead class Tim Phalen do it. He is great. Speaks wonderfully, and really breaks things down for you. A very accomidating person to learn from.
He taught a janitor at a slow hospital in Florida to read them.
This is the best book to use to learn EKGs. It teaches you the basics in a workbook format and gets more advanced. It is a great book and I still refer back to it for a quick refresher every month or so.
Gonna take off from Zippos reply.... ( as this is how I finally got it thru my thick head )
If you know where the Chest leads go ( V leads ), you know that explains 6 leads.
The other 6 views are from the 3 leads we all commonly use. Thru those 3 leads, it mixes the way the signal is sent for the views ( forward signal for leads 1-3, backwards ( with some tweaks ) for the other 3 views )
There are your 6 views.
Lead 1 = RA + LA
Lead 2 = RA + LL
Lead 3 = LA + LL
AVR,AVL and AVF uses these same 3 leads to augment the last 3 views.
( the RL lead is typically a ground only... thats it. )
"lead" is a common misconception. The lead is the view, not the actual electrodes. Often those two are used improperly. You can hand me the electrodes but not the leads; the leads are what one views on the monitor.