Leads V5 and V6 provide what view of the heart?

Leads V5 and V6 provide a lateral view of the heart. These leads are positioned over the left side of the chest, specifically at the anterior axillary line (V5) and the midaxillary line (V6). This positioning allows them to capture electrical activity from the lateral wall of the left ventricle. As the heart's electrical impulses propagate, the lateral leads reflect changes in the heart's activity that occur on this side, making them vital for identifying conditions affecting the lateral aspect of the heart muscle.

This understanding is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions, including left ventricular hypertrophy and lateral wall myocardial infarctions, as abnormalities in these leads can signal issues in corresponding areas of the heart's structure and function.