Study for the PANCE Cardiology Test. Enhance your knowledge with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Posterior wall infarction is suggested by which ECG pattern?

Posterior wall infarction shows reciprocal changes on the standard 12-lead ECG. Because the electrical disturbance is on the back, the front-facing leads (V1–V3) tend to display ST-segment depression with a prominent R wave rather than elevation. This depression in the anterior leads is the clue that the infarct is posterior. If posterior leads (V7–V9) are recorded, you may see ST elevations there, which confirm the posterior involvement. ST elevations in the anterior leads (V1–V3) would more likely reflect an anterior infarction, while elevations in the limb leads II, III, aVF or I, aVL point to inferior or lateral wall involvement, respectively.

Posterior wall infarction shows reciprocal changes on the standard 12-lead ECG. Because the electrical disturbance is on the back, the front-facing leads (V1–V3) tend to display ST-segment depression with a prominent R wave rather than elevation. This depression in the anterior leads is the clue that the infarct is posterior. If posterior leads (V7–V9) are recorded, you may see ST elevations there, which confirm the posterior involvement. ST elevations in the anterior leads (V1–V3) would more likely reflect an anterior infarction, while elevations in the limb leads II, III, aVF or I, aVL point to inferior or lateral wall involvement, respectively.