Progress in computer analysis of the exercise electrocardiogram.

Abstract

The potential advantages of digital computer processing of exercise electrocardiographic data include reduction of noise, compression of data, improved precision and application of optimal criteria. Most prior approaches to such processing required equipment that was both expensive and inconvenient. With the revolution in instrumentation brought about by the development of microcomputers, powerful dedicated computers can now be afforded by many exercise laboratories. There are many approaches to computerized management of exercise electrocardiographic data and various criteria for ischemia. Studies are necessary to validate computer algorithms so that these devices can be used diagnostically to best advantage. Cardiologists need some understanding of this field so that they can be discriminating users of computer systems. In addition, the results of studies correlating electrocardiographic changes with radionuclide methods of assessing myocardial perfusion and function should enable such assessments to be made from the electrocardiographic signals alone, particularly when aided by computer analysis of spatial shifts.