A Real-Time QRS Detection Algorithm

Detection of ECG characteristic points using wavelet transforms

Abstract: An algorithm based on wavelet transforms (WT's) has been developed for detecting ECG characteristic points. With the multiscale feature of WT's, the QRS complex can be distinguished from high P or T waves, noise, baseline drift, and artifacts. The relation between the characteristic points of ECG signal and those of modulus maximum pairs of its WT's is illustrated. By using this method, the detection rate of QRS complexes is above 99.8% for the MIT/BIH database and the P and T waves can also be detected, even with serious base line drift and noise. >

Kubios HRV - Heart rate variability analysis software

Abstract: Kubios HRV is an advanced and easy to use software for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. The software supports several input data formats for electrocardiogram (ECG) data and beat-to-beat RR interval data. It includes an adaptive QRS detection algorithm and tools for artifact correction, trend removal and analysis sample selection. The software computes all the commonly used time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters and several nonlinear parameters. There are several adjustable analysis settings through which the analysis methods can be optimized for different data. The ECG derived respiratory frequency is also computed, which is important for reliable interpretation of the analysis results. The analysis results can be saved as an ASCII text file (easy to import into MS Excel or SPSS), Matlab MAT-file, or as a PDF report. The software is easy to use through its compact graphical user interface. The software is available free of charge for Windows and Linux operating systems at http://kubios.uef.fi.

A wavelet-based ECG delineator: evaluation on standard databases

Abstract: In this paper, we developed and evaluated a robust single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) delineation system based on the wavelet transform (WT). In a first step, QRS complexes are detected. Then, each QRS is delineated by detecting and identifying the peaks of the individual waves, as well as the complex onset and end. Finally, the determination of P and T wave peaks, onsets and ends is performed. We evaluated the algorithm on several manually annotated databases, such as MIT-BIH Arrhythmia, QT, European ST-T and CSE databases, developed for validation purposes. The QRS detector obtained a sensitivity of Se=99.66% and a positive predictivity of P+=99.56% over the first lead of the validation databases (more than 980,000 beats), while for the well-known MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, Se and P+ over 99.8% were attained. As for the delineation of the ECG waves, the mean and standard deviation of the differences between the automatic and manual annotations were computed. The mean error obtained with the WT approach was found not to exceed one sampling interval, while the standard deviations were around the accepted tolerances between expert physicians, outperforming the results of other well known algorithms, especially in determining the end of T wave.

The principles of software QRS detection

Abstract: The QRS complex is the most striking waveform within the electrocardiogram (ECG). Since it reflects the electrical activity within the heart during the ventricular contraction, the time of its occurrence as well as its shape provide much information about the current state of the heart. Due to its characteristic shape it serves as the basis for the automated determination of the heart rate, as an entry point for classification schemes of the cardiac cycle, and often it is also used in ECG data compression algorithms. In that sense, QRS detection provides the fundamentals for almost all automated ECG analysis algorithms. Software QRS detection has been a research topic for more than 30 years. The evolution of these algorithms clearly reflects the great advances in computer technology. Within the last decade many new approaches to QRS detection have been proposed; for example, algorithms from the field of artificial neural networks genetic algorithms wavelet transforms, filter banks as well as heuristic methods mostly based on nonlinear transforms. The authors provide an overview of these recent developments as well as of formerly proposed algorithms.

Signal processing apparatus and method

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to analyze two measured signals that are modeled as containing desired and undesired portions such as noise, FM and AM modulation. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, a transformation is used to evaluate a ratio of the two measured signals in order to find appropriate coefficients. The measured signals are then fed into a signal scrubber which uses the coefficients to remove the unwanted portions. The signal scrubbing is performed in either the time domain or in the frequency domain. The method and apparatus are particularly advantageous to blood oximetry and pulserate measurements. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by applying a set of rules to a spectral transform of the scrubbed signal. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by transforming the scrubbed signal from a first spectral domain into a second spectral domain. The pulserate is found by identifying the largest spectral peak in the second spectral domain.

Software QRS detection in ambulatory monitoring--a review.

Abstract: The QRS detection algorithm is an essential part of any computer-based system for the analysis of ambulatory ECG recordings. This review asserts that most one-channel QRS detectors described in the literature can be considered as having the same basic structure. A discussion of some of the current detection schemes is presented with regard to this structure. Some additional features of QRS detectors are mentioned. The evaluation of performance and the problem of multichannel detection, which is now gaining importance, are also briefly treated.

Optimal QRS detector.

Abstract: The problem of detecting the QRS complex in the presence of noise was analysed. Most QRS detectors contain a filter to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and compare the signal with a threshold. In an earlier paper we identified an optimal filter. Various techniques to generate threshold and detector designs were studied. Automatic gain-control circuits with a fixed threshold have a very slow response to different rhythms. Automatic threshold circuits based on simple peak-detection schemes have a fast response, but are very sensitive to sudden variations in QRS amplitudes and noise transients. None of the methods described to date present any optimisation criteria for detecting the signal (QRS complex) in the presence of noise. The probabilities of FPs (false positives) and FNs (false negatives) were investigated and an optimised threshold criterion based on FP/FN was developed. Presently, data are being collected to compare various techniques from their ROC (receiver operating characteristics).

Automated High-Speed Analysis of Holter Tapes with Microcomputers

Abstract: We have developed an automated Holtes scanning system based on two microcomputers. One is a preprocessor that detects QRS complexes and measures the QRS durations using computations of first and second derivatives. Thismicrocomputer interfaces to a secondmicro-computer that does arrhythmia analysis, logging, and reporting using R-R intervals and QRS durations. This system can process Holter tapes at 60 times real time and produce printed summaries and 24 h trend plots of several variables including heart rate and PVC count.

Online digital filters for biological signals: some fast designs for a small computer.

Abstract: After reviewing the design of a class of lowpass recursive digital filters having integer multiplier and linear phase characteristics, the possibilities for extending the class to include high pass, bandpass, and bandstop (‘notch’) filters are described. Experience with a PDP 11 computer has shown that these filters may be programmed simply using machine code, and that online operation at sampling rates up to about 8 kHz is possible. The practical application of such filters is illustrated by using a notch desgin to remove mains-frequency interference from an e.c.g. waveform.

A robust-digital QRS-detection algorithm for arrhythmia monitoring

Abstract: The success of automated patient monitoring is primarily dependent on the ability to detect normal as well as bizarre QRS-complexes. In this paper a new robust single lead QRS-detection algorithm is presented. The QRS detector can be separated into five different blocks, namely, a noise filter, a differentiator, an energy collector, a minimal distance classifier, and a minimax trimmer. Each block accounts for some characteristic features of QRS complexes (steepness, duration, etc.). The time delay introduced by this algorithm for making a decision is less then one second, allowing real-time applications. The performance of the QRS detector is analyzed and results are presented.