Non-linear and scale-invariant analysis of the Heart Rate Variability

TL;DR

This paper reviews advanced non-linear, scale-invariant methods for analyzing the complex, non-stationary fluctuations in human heart rate variability, aiming to improve clinical diagnostics and prognostics.

Contribution

It provides an overview of key research results and identifies promising non-linear measures for heart rate variability analysis.

Findings

Identification of intrinsic features of heart rate signals

Evaluation of non-linear measures for clinical use

Highlighting scale-invariant analysis techniques

Abstract

Human heart rate fluctuates in a complex and non-stationary manner. Elaborating efficient and adequate tools for the analysis of such signals has been a great challenge for the researchers during last decades. Here, an overview of the main research results in this field is given. The following question are addressed: (a) what are the intrinsic features of the heart rate variability signal; (b) what are the most promising non-linear measures, bearing in mind clinical diagnostic and prognostic applications.