Modelling of the control of heart rate by breathing using a kernel method.

The process of the breathing (input) to the heart rate (output) of man is considered for system identification by the input-output relationship, using a mathematical model expressed as integral equations. The integral equation is considered and fixed so that the identification method reduces to the determination of the values within the integral, called kernels, resulting in an integral equation whose input-output behaviour is nearly identical to that of the system. This paper uses an algorithm of kernel identification of the Volterra series which greatly reduces the computational burden and eliminates the restriction of using white Gaussian input as a test signal. A second-order model is the most appropriate for a good estimate of the system dynamics. The model contains the linear part (first-order kernel) and quadratic part (second-order kernel) in parallel, and so allows for the possibility of separation between the linear and non-linear elements of the process. The response of the linear term exhibits the oscillatory input and underdamped nature of the system. The application of breathing as input to the system produces an oscillatory term which may be attributed to the nature of sinus node of the heart being sensitive to the modulating signal the breathing wave. The negative-on diagonal seems to cause the dynamic asymmetry of the total response of the system which opposes the oscillatory nature of the first kernel related to the restraining force present in the respiratory heart rate system. The presence of the positive-off diagonal of the second-order kernel of respiratory control of heart rate is an indication of an escape-like phenomenon in the system.