What does a "12-lead ECG" assess?

The 12-lead ECG is designed to measure the electrical activity of the heart from multiple angles. This is achieved by placing electrodes on various parts of the patient's body, which allows for a comprehensive view of the heart’s electrical activity. Each lead provides insight from a different perspective, which is crucial for identifying various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, ischemia, and infarction.

This multi-angle approach enables healthcare providers to assess the heart's function more thoroughly than a single lead would provide. Thus, the 12-lead ECG is a vital tool in emergency medicine for diagnosing and managing various cardiac issues.