Computer detection of P-waves.

Abstract Two algorithms are presented for the detection of P-waves in ECG's. The method is in principle lead-independent. The first routine for the finding of coupled P-waves makes use of the stability of PR-intervals. The second one, for the detection of noncoupled P's, computes the cross-correlation between a ternary detection signal, derived from the original ECG, and a template, obtained from a reference population of P-waves. The results of the algorithms are represented as false alarms (FP) and missed P-waves (FN), for a training and a testing population. The results of the P-finder are used in the rhythm classification part of a modular ECG VCG processing system.