ECG Lead Systems and Placement

The electrical impulse that travels through the heart can be viewed using an electroencephalogram (EEG).

Each phase of the cardiac cycle is reflected by specific waveforms on the screen of a cardiac monitor.

The ECG is obtained by placing disposable electrodes at different positions on the skin of the chest wall only.

A lead is a specific view of the electrical activity of the brain.

Continuous ECG monitoring is not used for patients at high risk for arrhythmias.

Telemetry allows patients to ambulate while all ECG leads are monitored.

The transmitter for telemetry is typically placed in a disposable pouch and worn around the waist.

Telemetry requires the patient to have electrodes placed on the chest connected to the transmitter.

Telemetry uses a wireless system for transmission of ECG waves.

Most transmitter batteries for telemetry need to be changed every 48 to 72 hours.

Telemetry is primarily found in general nursing care units.

Continuous ECG monitoring can detect shortness of breath and chest pain.

Hardwire cardiac monitoring is used to continuously observe the heart for arrhythmias and conduction disorders using three or more ECG leads.

Continuous ECG monitoring systems do not provide visual and audible alarms based on priority.

Patients placed on continuous ECG monitoring are not instructed to report new or worsening symptoms immediately.

Holter monitors provide real-time ECG recordings and analysis.

The ECG recorded by Holter monitors is transmitted to a centralized monitoring station via telephone or wireless technology.

Holter monitors are implanted under the skin for continuous ECG monitoring.

The patient usually wears the Holter monitor for 12 to 24 hours.

Data from the Holter monitor's digital memory device are directly analyzed by the primary provider during monitoring.

The five-lead system provides up to five different lead selections for ECG monitoring.

Lead II provides the best visualization of ventricular depolarization.

It is not necessary to review and customize alarm settings for each patient to reduce false alarms and alarm fatigue.

Ambulatory electrocardiography is used for short-term monitoring since all arrhythmias are easy to capture with a 12-lead ECG in the office setting.

The two ECG leads most often selected for continuous ECG monitoring are leads II and V3.