A large R wave and ST segment depression in leads V1 and V2 indicate what condition?

A large R wave and ST segment depression in leads V1 and V2 indicate what condition?

• A. Acute anterior infarction
• B. Acute lateral infarction
• C. Acute posterior infarction
• D. Acute inferior infarction

Answer: (C)

The presence of a large R wave combined with ST segment depression in leads V1 and V2 is indicative of an acute posterior myocardial infarction. In this scenario, the large R wave often occurs due to the loss of electrical activity in the posterior wall of the heart, while the ST segment depression can be a result of reciprocal changes that occur when the anterior part of the heart is not receiving adequate blood supply.

In an acute posterior infarction, the electrical activity from the affected area can often manifest in the anterior leads (V1 and V2) due to the anatomical positioning of the heart and the direction of the electrical vectors. These leads are typically monitored for signs of anterior wall ischemia or infarction; however, in the case of a posterior infarction, the opposite changes can appear.

The other options describe infarctions that primarily impact other areas of the heart. For instance, an acute anterior infarction would usually be characterized by changes in leads V1 to V4, lateral infarctions would manifest in leads I, aVL, V5, and V6, and inferior infarctions would show changes in leads II, III, and aVF. Therefore, the specific combination of large R waves with ST segment depression in V1 and