Improved Cardiac Arrhythmia Prediction Based on Heart Rate Variability Analysis

TL;DR

This paper introduces new methods for predicting cardiac arrhythmias using detailed Heart Rate Variability analysis, aiming to improve early detection and reduce unnecessary interventions in resource-limited devices.

Contribution

It presents novel arrhythmia prediction techniques based on HRV analysis, enhancing early detection and suitability for implantable devices.

Findings

Good performance of proposed methods

Potential deployment in resource-constrained devices

Improved detection of life-threatening arrhythmias

Abstract

Many types of ventricular and atrial cardiac arrhythmias have been discovered in clinical practice in the past 100 years, and these arrhythmias are a major contributor to sudden cardiac death. Ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are the most commonly-occurring and dangerous arrhythmias, therefore early detection is crucial to prevent any further complications and reduce fatalities. Implantable devices such as pacemakers are commonly used in patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. While great advances have been made in medical technology, there remain significant challenges in effective management of common arrhythmias. This thesis proposes novel arrhythmia detection and prediction methods to differentiate cardiac arrhythmias from non-life-threatening cardiac events, to increase the likelihood of detecting events that may lead to mortality, as well as reduce the incidence of unnecessary therapeutic intervention. The methods are based on detailed analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) information. The results of the work show good performance of the proposed methods and support the potential for their deployment in resource-constrained devices for ventricular and atrial arrhythmia prediction, such as implantable pacemakers and defibrillators.