Spectral analysis of electrocardiogram signals of the isolated guinea pig heart for the detection of arrhythmias.

Fast Fourier Transform analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal of the isolated guinea pig heart has been used to investigate the subtle ECG changes that precede cardiac arrhythmias. During prolonged periods of regular contractile activity, spectral analysis of the isolated guinea pig heart ECG revealed that the major frequency components were evenly distributed over the range 0-64 Hz. Prior to arrhythmias or during ischaemia however, there was a major reduction in the amplitude of the higher frequency components. Thus, Fast Fourier Transform analysis of an ECG record enables the detection of the subtle ECG configuration changes that precede cardiac rhythm disturbances. The potential application of this technique for the prediction of cardiac arrhythmias is discussed.