In the context of electrocardiography (ECG or EKG), “inferior” and “anterior” leads refer to specific electrode placements on the body that monitor the heart’s electrical activity from different angles. These terms describe the regions of the heart being observed based on the lead positions.

Inferior Leads

• Definition: These leads view the inferior (lower) portion of the heart, primarily the inferior wall of the left ventricle.
• Leads Involved: II, III, and aVF (augmented vector foot).
• Anatomy Covered: Reflects activity in the region typically supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA) or sometimes the left circumflex artery (LCx).
• Clinical Relevance: Abnormalities in these leads (e.g., ST elevation) may indicate an inferior myocardial infarction (MI), often due to occlusion of the RCA.

Anterior Leads

• Definition: These leads view the anterior (front) portion of the heart, mainly the anterior wall of the left ventricle.
• Leads Involved: V1, V2, V3, and V4 (precordial chest leads).
• Anatomy Covered: Reflects activity in the region typically supplied by the left anterior descending artery (LAD).
• Clinical Relevance: Changes in these leads (e.g., ST elevation) may suggest an anterior myocardial infarction, often linked to LAD occlusion, which can be more severe due to the larger area of myocardium at risk.