Visualization of electrocardiograms using cardioids

• Published in: Proceedings of the 20th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Vol.20 Biomedical Engineering Towards the Year 2000 and Beyond (Cat. No.98CH36286) pp. 233 - 235 vol.1
• Main Authors: Acharya, U.R., Rao, A.V., Sanjay, P.D.P., Niranjan, U.C., Bhat, P.S.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 1998
• Subjects: Autonomic nervous system; Biomedical monitoring; Cardiology; Computer displays; Diabetes; Electrocardiography; Heart rate; Heart rate variability; Patient monitoring; Visualization
• ISBN: 0780351649; 9780780351646
• ISSN: 1094-687X; 1558-4615
• DOI: 10.1109/IEMBS.1998.745882

Heart rate (HR) is primarily governed by the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In a normal person the precision of neural control over HR dynamics confers certain amount of adaptation. This judicious neural balance over HR is considerably altered and manifested in certain states such as congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the challenge lies in detecting subclinical cases of autonomic neural imbalance as in diabetes mellitus and nutritional disorders such as obesity or underweight/under nutrition. We developed a simple computer color display model to depict instantaneous HR variability (HRV), using lead II ECG's of healthy adult males taken during rest and while performing various physiological maneuvers. An instantaneous HRV color cardioid aid can be of much use in monitoring patients in coronary critical care units. Our model confers much needed objectivity in diagnosis and prognosis apart from conferring simplicity and ease in monitoring, even by the non medical staff.