Application of Wavelet Based Denoising for T-Wave Alternans Analysis in High Resolution ECG Maps

Abstract

T-wave alternans (TWA) allows for identification of patients at an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Stress test, which increases heart rate in controlled manner, is used for TWA measurement. However, the TWA detection and analysis are often disturbed by muscular interference. The evaluation of wavelet based denoising methods was performed to find optimal algorithm for TWA analysis. ECG signals recorded in twelve patients with cardiac disease were analyzed. In seven of them significant T-wave alternans magnitude was detected. The application of wavelet based denoising method in the pre-processing stage increases the T-wave alternans magnitude as well as the number of BSPM signals where TWA was detected. Keywords: T-wave alternans, wavelet denoising, stress test, arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death