Lead II
Also calledLead 2 · II · limb lead II
Definition
A standard limb lead that records the potential difference between the left leg (positive) and the right arm (negative), lying at +60 degrees in the frontal plane. Its axis is close to the normal frontal P-wave axis (about 45 to 65 degrees), so in sinus rhythm the P wave is upright and usually well seen, and with a normal QRS axis the QRS is positive; for this reason lead II is the lead most commonly used for the rhythm strip. With leads III and aVF it views the inferior surface of the heart, and isolated inferior infarcts are usually associated with disease of the right coronary artery or the distal circumflex artery.
Clinical noteA lateral infarct pattern (leads I, aVL, V5 and V6) is often associated with disease of the proximal circumflex artery.
Sources
- Meek S, Morris F. ABC of clinical electrocardiography. Introduction. I: Leads, rate, rhythm, and cardiac axis. BMJ. 2002;324(7334):415-418. doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7334.415
- Morris F, Brady WJ. ABC of clinical electrocardiography: acute myocardial infarction, part I. BMJ. 2002;324(7341):831-834. doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7341.831
- Kligfield P, Gettes LS, Bailey JJ, et al. Recommendations for the standardization and interpretation of the electrocardiogram: part I: the electrocardiogram and its technology. Circulation. 2007;115(10):1306-1324. doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.180200
- Batchvarov VN, Malik M, Camm AJ. Incorrect electrode cable connection during electrocardiographic recording. Europace. 2007;9(11):1081-1090. doi.org/10.1093/europace/eum198
Last reviewed 2 October 2026. Every definition in the EKG Dictionary cites the guideline, consensus statement or original paper it comes from.