Final answer:
A 12-lead EKG uses ten electrodes, with four placed on the limbs to record the heart's electrical activity. Limb leads are essential for diagnosing normal and abnormal heart functions, and advancements in technology have improved the utility of EKG recordings.
Step-by-step explanation:
An EKG recording is an essential tool for assessing heart function. In a standard 12-lead EKG, there are ten electrodes: six placed on the chest and four on the limbs. Each limb lead corresponds to an electrode on one of the limbs. These limb electrodes, along with the chest electrodes, are used to measure the voltage difference between two points, providing a detailed picture of the heart's electrical activity.
The information provided by limb leads is crucial. The voltage between the right arm and the left leg is dubbed lead II potential and is frequently the most graphed. These recordings can reveal normal and abnormal heart functions, such as areas of damaged heart tissue or infarcts.
Advancements in EKG technology have made it possible to use portable ECG monitors in a variety of settings, further enhancing the ability to detect subtle changes in the heart's electrical activity by comparing recent ECGs to older ones.