What does "mirror image changes in other leads" refer to in an EKG?

"Mirror image changes in other leads" refers to reciprocal changes observed in electrocardiogram (EKG) readings. This concept is particularly significant when analyzing ST-segment elevations or depressions. When there is an elevation of the ST segment in one lead, reciprocal changes appear as a depression of the ST segment in leads positioned opposite from the affected region of the heart.

For instance, in the case of an inferior ST elevation, one might observe corresponding ST depressions in lateral leads. Recognizing these reciprocal changes is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, as it confirms the area of the heart that is experiencing ischemia or infarction.

While other terms like "indicative changes" may refer to specific alterations that signal a particular condition, or "artifact changes" involving false leads due to interference, they do not encapsulate the phenomenon of reciprocal alterations. Baseline changes relate to shifts in the baseline of the EKG tracing but lack the specific notion of oppositional or mirrored trends between leads. Thus, recognizing reciprocal changes is vital for an accurate interpretation of EKG findings in a clinical setting.