What is the primary use of the aVR lead in ECG?

The aVR lead is primarily associated with assessing the right side of the heart. Specifically, it provides a negative view, primarily focusing on the right atrium and the right ventricle. This lead helps to detect issues related to these areas, which are often less emphasized than the left side of the heart in standard ECG assessments.

While other leads, such as aVL and V5, focus on the left side and the inferior leads assess the inferior wall, aVR’s unique positioning allows for evaluation of the heart's right structures. This makes it particularly useful in identifying right-sided heart problems and conditions that may not be as evident with leads that access the left side.

Additionally, while general heart function can be gauged by other leads, aVR's primary role is focused more directly on the right heart rather than providing a holistic view of overall heart function, which involves multiple regions of the heart and various leads.