Final answer:
The 6 precordial leads in a 12-lead ECG are placed on the chest to record the heart's electrical activity. They include V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6 at specific intercostal spaces and sternal and axillary lines, providing crucial information on heart function and detecting cardiac anomalies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The six precordial, or "chest," leads in a 12-lead ECG are placed on specific areas of the chest to record the heart's electrical activity from various angles. By careful placement of these surface electrodes, health professionals can gain a detailed picture of the heart's function and detect any abnormalities such as regions of damaged heart tissue, known as infarcts. The precise placement includes:
These chest leads, along with four limb leads, make up the standard 12-lead ECG. It is a fundamental diagnostic tool in medicine to assess heart function and identify cardiac anomalies.