What is a lead in the context of an EKG?

In the context of an EKG, a lead refers to the colored wires that connect electrodes placed on the patient's limbs and chest to the EKG machine. Each lead records the electrical activity of the heart from different angles or perspectives, which allows healthcare professionals to assess the heart's rhythm, size, position, and any abnormalities in the heart's electrical system. The configuration of these leads is essential for obtaining a comprehensive view of cardiac function, as it helps to create a multi-dimensional representation of the heart's electrical activity. Therefore, the understanding of leads is fundamental in interpreting an EKG accurately.