Current flowing toward a positive electrode on an ECG trace produces which type of deflection?

Current flowing toward a positive electrode on an ECG trace produces which type of deflection?

• A. Upright deflection
• B. Inverted deflection
• C. Isoelectric line
• D. Downward deflection

Answer: (A)

The direction of the heart’s electrical wave relative to the lead’s positive electrode determines the sign of the deflection. When the depolarization vector moves toward the positive electrode, the tracing shows a positive, upright deflection. If the wave moves away, you’d see a negative (inverted) deflection, and if it’s perpendicular to the lead, the deflection can be small or isoelectric. So, current toward the positive electrode results in an upright deflection.

The direction of the heart’s electrical wave relative to the lead’s positive electrode determines the sign of the deflection. When the depolarization vector moves toward the positive electrode, the tracing shows a positive, upright deflection. If the wave moves away, you’d see a negative (inverted) deflection, and if it’s perpendicular to the lead, the deflection can be small or isoelectric. So, current toward the positive electrode results in an upright deflection.