Autonomic function assessment using analysis of heart rate variability

摘要

Analysis of changes in heart rate can be useful in determining the state of various body systems. In particular the analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is used in the assessment of autonomic function. We present a method of time-frequency analysis of HRV data using the discrete harmonic wavelet transform to show changes in spectral power resolution over time. Signals representing patient heart rate are presented and methods for spectral and time-frequency analysis are described. Three sets of patient data are then analysed using these methods. The results show the potential of time-frequency analysis in the assessment of medical discorders, such as the sleep apnoea syndrome, where transient alterations in autonomic function occur.