How to Place ECG Chest Leads

Youth Heart Watch demonstrates the correct lead placement to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Transcript

How to Place ECG Chest Leads

Victoria Vetter, MD, FAAP, FACC: First, I'm gonna feel your collarbone, the space right below that is where the first rib is. There's a space under the first rib. Then I'm feeling the second rib. Then I'm feeling your third rib, and then I'm feeling your fourth rib and the space in between your fourth and your fifth rib, I'm gonna put lead V2.

Right on the opposite side on your right side, in that same space between the fourth and the fifth ribs, I'm gonna put lead V1. Then in that imaginary line in the middle of your collarbone, in one space down between the fifth and the sixth rib, I'm gonna put lead V4, and then I'm gonna put lead V3 right in the middle of it.

Then I'm gonna go straight across and I'm gonna put -- raise your arm up so I'm sure I'm in the right place. There's an imaginary line in the front of your armpit, and I'm gonna call that V5. And then right in the middle of your armpit is V six, and then right in the back of your armpit is V7.

Related Centers and Programs: Youth Heart Watch