Which ECG lead is most effective in showing the inferior wall of the heart?

Lead II is particularly effective in examining the inferior wall of the heart due to its anatomical placement and orientation. This lead is positioned to view the heart's electrical activity as it travels from the atria to the ventricles, closely aligned with the flow of electrical impulses in the inferior aspect of the heart.

The inferior wall is primarily supplied by the right coronary artery in right-dominant hearts, and Lead II’s direction is well-suited for capturing the electrical signals originating from this region. When looking at the ECG trace in Lead II, prominent findings such as ST-segment changes or other dysrhythmias can indicate inferior wall ischemia or infarction.

While other leads can provide valuable information about the heart's overall electrical function, their focus is not on the inferior wall as directly as Lead II. For example, Lead I primarily monitors the lateral wall of the heart, while Lead III also measures electrical activity but is positioned differently. Lead V1 focuses on the septal region and does not provide significant insight into the inferior wall's condition. Therefore, Lead II is the most effective choice for assessing the inferior wall.