Where is lead V4 properly placed on a patient's body?

Lead V4 is properly placed in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line on a patient's body. This placement is critical for accurate ECG readings, as it allows for optimal monitoring of the heart's electrical activity from the left ventricle.

The midclavicular line, which is an imaginary vertical line that runs down from the midpoint of the clavicle, provides a perfect point of reference to locate the fifth intercostal space. This specific area captures the electrical signals associated with cardiac function, particularly from the left anterior part of the heart, offering valuable information during diagnostics.

Proper placement other than this would not provide an accurate representation of the heart's activity. For instance, positioning V4 in the fourth intercostal space at the midclavicular line would place it too high, potentially missing important signals from the left ventricle. Placing it in the sixth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line would move it too far laterally. Lastly, the third intercostal space at the midsternal line is too high, again failing to capture the electrical activity of the heart effectively. Each alternative location misaligns with the anatomical landmarks necessary for optimal lead placement, which is why the fifth inter