Leads V5 and V6 on an ECG monitor which aspect of the heart?

Leads V5 and V6 on an ECG monitor primarily reflect the electrical activity of the lateral wall of the left ventricle. These leads are positioned on the chest in a way that allows them to capture signals originating from the left side of the heart, specifically looking at the region supplied by the left circumflex artery in most individuals.

The lateral wall is a critical area because issues such as ischemia or infarction in this region can significantly impact heart function. Abnormalities detected in leads V5 and V6, such as ST elevations or depressions, can indicate problems such as a lateral wall myocardial infarction or strain patterns indicating hypertrophy or other conditions affecting the left ventricle.

In summary, the placement of V5 and V6 specifically targets the lateral left ventricle, making the correct understanding of these leads crucial for interpreting cardiac health accurately.