Computer processing of artifact and arrhythmias in heart rate variability analysis

doi:10.1016/0169-2607(92)90060-K

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

Volume 39, Issues 1–2, September–October 1992, Pages 75-84

https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-2607(92)90060-K Get rights and content

Abstract

Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) with Holter monitoring is often difficult due to excessive artifacts and arrhythmias. While short sudden surges are treated successfully by most methods, slow heart rate (HR) variations, nocturnal trapezoidally-shaped HR increases and special types of arrhythmias which are similar to normal HRV fluctuations may distort further time domain and spectral analysis. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of different methods for preprocessing of HR data. We have developed the following approach to the analysis of HRV. (1) A combination method based on the absolute difference between HR values and both the last normal HR value and an updated mean is used for removal of artifacts and arrhythmias. This method can detect both sudden surges in HR values as well as longer periods of noise combined with slow normal variations. An additional stage of wild point removal is then optionally applied. (2) Certain special problems such as large T-waves, bigeminal rhythm, slow HR variations and nocturnal trapezoidally-shaped HR increases are also identified. Although none of the algorithms can be applied successfully to all cases, the final computer analysis for preprocessing described in the present study has proved to be superior to the simplified methods which are usually used and provides more suitable data for HRV analysis.

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Citation Excerpt :
R–Ri data expressed in milliseconds was recorded on continuous 1-h length files. Data records were inspected off-line, and detected artifacts were corrected with a previously published correcting-algorithm.18 Artifact-free data records were divided into consecutive 2-min epochs.
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Section II. Systems and programComputer processing of artifact and arrhythmias in heart rate variability analysis

Abstract

Power spectrum analysis of heart rate fluctuations: a quantitative probe of beat to beat cardiovascular control

Science

Assessment of autonomic function in humans by heart rate spectral analysis

Am. J. Physiol.

Noninvasive methods to study autonomic nervous control of circulation

Acta Med. Scand.

Analysis of heart rate variations during sleep: presence of a newly observed non-periodic trapezoidal waveform

Decreased heart rate variability and its association with increased mortality after acute myocardial infarction

Am. J. Cardiol.

Section II. Systems and program
Computer processing of artifact and arrhythmias in heart rate variability analysis