Phase-rectified signal averaging for the detection of quasi-periodicities in electrocardiogram

Abstract

The methods analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) have to deal with non-stationary and noisy signals. We present a recently developed method, called phase-rectified signal averaging (PRSA), which facilitates the processing of such signals. It provides a higher sensitivity for the detection of small oscillations in the heartbeat tachogram and it allows the separate analyzes of oscillations related to heart rate decelerations and heart rate accelerations. Because of these properties, PRSA enables a better risk stratification in post myocardial infarction patients than the standard HRV parameters.