Final answer:
Einthoven's triangle is an imaginary equilateral triangle formed by the placement of electrodes on the limbs for limb leads I, II, and III in a 12-lead ECG, which helps in analyzing the depolarization vector of the heart's electrical activity and detecting conditions such as infarcts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Einthoven's triangle refers to the formation of an imaginary equilateral triangle around the heart when electrodes are placed on the limbs during a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The standard placement of ECG leads involves six electrodes on the chest and four on the limbs.
This configuration allows for the measurement of the heart's electrical activity from different angles, with the limb leads including leads I, II, and III which form Einthoven's triangle. Each of these leads measures a component of the heart's depolarization vector, which is represented as a wave moving from the top of the heart.
Changes in these readings can indicate various heart conditions, including areas of damaged heart tissue, or infarcts, which alter the electrical conduction reflected in ECG readings. With advancements in technology, portable ECG monitors have become readily available for use outside of traditional medical settings.