ST elevations in leads I, aVL, V4, V5, and V6 are associated with which artery?

The presence of ST elevations in leads I, aVL, V4, V5, and V6 indicates an anterolateral myocardial infarction, which is primarily associated with the left circumflex artery. This artery supplies blood to the lateral portions of the left ventricle, and ST elevations in these specific leads suggest that the area of the heart receiving blood from the left circumflex is experiencing ischemia due to blockage or compromise in blood flow.

Leads I and aVL correspond to the high lateral wall of the heart, while V4, V5, and V6 represent the lateral and anterior areas. Therefore, ST elevations in these leads support the diagnosis of an injury in the area supplied by the left circumflex artery, which is crucial for blood flow to the lateral wall of the heart.

Understanding the coronary circulation is essential for recognizing the significance of ST elevation in specific leads. This knowledge is pivotal in emergency medicine as it guides appropriate interventions for patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).