ECG electrodes are placed in specific locations to capture electrical activity from the heart. For a standard 12-lead ECG, the placements are as follows:
Chest Leads (V1 to V6):
V1: 4th intercostal space, right sternal border
V2: 4th intercostal space, left sternal border
V3: Between V2 and V4 (usually around the 5th intercostal space)
V4: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
V5: Anterior axillary line at the same level as V4
V6: Midaxillary line at the same level as V4
Limb Leads:
Right Arm (RA): Right wrist, just below the wrist bone
Left Arm (LA): Left wrist, just below the wrist bone
Right Leg (RL): Right ankle, just above the ankle bone
Left Leg (LL): Left ankle, just above the ankle bone
These placements provide a comprehensive view of the heart's electrical activity from different angles.