Autonomic function assessment using analysis of heart rate variability

Abstract Analysis of changes in heart rate can be useful in determining the state of various body systems. In particular the analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is used in the assessment of autonomic function. This paper uses the discrete harmonic wavelet transform for a time-frequency analysis of HRV data to show changes in spectral power over time. Signals representing patient heart rate are presented, and methods for spectral and time-frequency analysis are described. Three sets of patient data are then analysed using these methods. The results show the potential of time-frequency analysis in the assessment of medical disorders, such as the sleep apnoea syndrome, where transient alterations in autonomic function occur.

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