V1 and V2 placements are at the 4th intercostal space relative to the sternum, located where?

• A. V1 is left of sternum; V2 is right of sternum
• B. Both are right of sternum
• C. Both are left of sternum
• D. V1 is right of sternum; V2 is left of sternum

Answer: (D)

These chest leads are placed at the same horizontal level to give a clear view of the anterior heart, with one lead on each side of the sternum at the 4th intercostal space. Specifically, one is placed just to the right of the sternum and the other just to the left. This arrangement positions the electrodes over the heart’s anterior surface, near the right ventricle and the interventricular septum, providing complementary views that help map electrical activity across the front of the heart. This left-right placement relative to the sternum is what distinguishes V1 from V2 and sets up the standard sequence for the remaining chest leads.