Lead V4 is placed at which anatomical location?

Lead V4 is correctly placed in the fifth intercostal space, at the midclavicular line. This specific location is crucial for accurately obtaining information about the heart’s electrical activity from the left ventricle. The placement at the midclavicular line ensures that the lead captures a good view of the heart's electrical activity from the appropriate anatomical position, which contributes to effective monitoring and diagnosis in a clinical setting.

When positioned correctly, V4, alongside other precordial leads, helps in creating a comprehensive view of the heart’s electrical conduction pathways and can be instrumental in identifying potential pathologies such as myocardial ischemia. Placing the lead in any other location, such as the fourth intercostal space just to the left of the sternum or off-axis in the midaxillary line, would not provide the same quality of data, leading to possible misinterpretation of cardiac activity.