The periodicity transform (PT) provides a computationally efficient approach to detect the presence and estimate the amplitude of low level T wave alternans from surface ECG recordings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of PT in a set of artificially generated alternans episodes and in the European ST (EST) database. The first set of simulations generated a numerical sequence of alternans pattern. The second set generated alternans patterns in identical, simulated beats in random locations. In each beat, T wave peak, T wave area around the peak, and variances of four T wave segments at constant intervals from the R fiducial point were utilized for alternans detection. Application of PT to the above simulations resulted in 100% sensitivity to alternans. Performance of PT under noisy conditions was robust, even at noise-to-signal ratio of -5 dB. Application of PT to ECG records in the EST database detected multiple episodes of T wave alternans. In conclusion, PT provides complimentary information to increase the detection accuracy of T wave alternans in surface ECG.
[1]
R. Verrier,et al.
Electrophysiologic Basis for T Wave Alternans as an Index of Vulnerability to Ventricular Fibrillation
,
1994,
Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology.
[2]
Wojciech Zareba,et al.
Computer detection of non-stationary T wave alternans using a new correlation method
,
1997,
Computers in Cardiology 1997.
[3]
William A. Sethares,et al.
Periodicity transforms
,
1999,
IEEE Trans. Signal Process..
[4]
R J Cohen,et al.
Electrical alternans and cardiac electrical instability.
,
1988,
Circulation.
[5]
T wave alternans detection: a simulation study and analysis of the European ST-T database
,
2000,
Computers in Cardiology 2000. Vol.27 (Cat. 00CH37163).