When monitoring a patient for ST elevation following an injury or infarction, which leads should be selected?

Selecting the appropriate leads for monitoring ST elevation is crucial in assessing myocardial injury or infarction. Leads V1 to V6 provide a comprehensive view of the left ventricle, which is the most commonly affected area during a myocardial infarction. These leads reflect differences in the heart's electrical activity across the chest and allow for the detection of ST segment changes associated with ischemia or infarction.

Leads V1 and V2 specifically monitor the anterior wall, while leads V3 to V6 provide views of the lateral wall and, to some extent, the inferior wall of the left ventricle. By using these leads, healthcare providers can accurately identify the presence and location of ischemic changes or infarction.

In contrast, other lead combinations may not provide as thorough a view of the left ventricle's electrical activity, potentially missing critical indications of injury or ischemia. For instance, leads III might miss anterior changes, and while leads II to III could detect some changes in the inferior leads, they wouldn’t be as effective at capturing the comprehensive range of possible ischemic changes in the broader cardiac context. Therefore, using leads V1 to V6 ensures the best monitoring of potential ST elevation following an injury or infarction.