Lecture Notes: Understanding Myocardial Infarction with LISA

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on the acronym LISA used in cardiology.
• LISA helps in identifying which wall of the heart is infarcting during a myocardial infarction (MI) using 12-lead ECGs.

Breakdown of LISA

1. Lateral Wall MI

   • Identified by ST elevations in leads 1, AVL, V5, and V6.
   • Represents the lateral wall of the heart.

2. Inferior Wall MI

   • Identified by ST elevations in leads 2, 3, and AVF.
   • Known as the "widow maker" due to the severity.
   • Represents the inferior or bottom part of the heart.

3. Septal Wall MI

   • Identified by ST elevations in leads V1 and V2.
   • Represents the wall dividing the left and right sides of the heart.

4. Anterior Wall MI

   • Identified by ST elevations in leads V3 and V4.
   • Represents the anterior part of the heart.

Combinations of MIs

• MIs can affect more than one area simultaneously (e.g., anterior-septal MI).
• Combinations include inferior-lateral and others.
• Important not to assume ST elevations are confined to one specific wall.

Coronary Arteries

• Different coronary arteries supply different heart walls:
  • Lateral Infarct: Blockage in the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery or Left Circumflex artery.
  • Inferior Infarct: Affected by the Right Coronary Artery (RCA).
  • Septal Infarct: Supplied by the LAD artery.
  • Anterior Infarct: Also supplied by the LAD artery.

Conclusion

• LISA is a vital guideline to help identify and remember which ECG leads correspond to which heart walls.
• Essential for paramedics and those in cardiology to know LISA thoroughly.
• Key Takeaway: Remember LISA to accurately assess and identify myocardial infarctions.