What specific area of the heart does Lead V1 monitor?

Lead V1 is positioned in the right fourth intercostal space, just to the right of the sternum. This placement enables it to capture electrical activity from the anterior and septal regions of the heart. Specifically, Lead V1 provides valuable information about the anteroseptal area, which includes the ventricular septum and the anterior wall of the right ventricle.

When interpreting the ECG readings from Lead V1, changes such as ST segment elevation or depression can indicate issues in these regions, making Lead V1 crucial for diagnosing certain types of heart conditions, particularly those affecting the left anterior descending artery, which supplies blood to the anteroseptal area. Thus, the association of Lead V1 with monitoring the anteroseptal area is well-founded based on its anatomical position and the areas of the heart it is best able to assess.