PC-Based ECG Waveform Recognition-Validation of Novel Software Against a Reference ECG Database

Background: PC-based ECG measurements must cope with normal as well as pathological ECGs in a reliable manner. EClysis, a software for ECG measurements was tested against reference values from the Common Standards for Quantitative Electrocardiography (CSE) database. Methods: Digital ECGs (12 leads, 500 Hz) were recorded by the CSE project. Data Set 3 contains reference values for 125 ECGs (33 normal and 92 pathological). Median values of measurements by 11 computer programs and by five cardiologists, respectively, refer to the earliest P and QRS onsets and to the latest P, QRS, and T offsets in any lead of a selected (index) beat. EClysis automatically measured all ECGs, without user interference. Results: The PQRST points were correctly detected but in two ECGs with AV block II-III. The software was not designed to detect atrial activity in atrial fibrillation (n = 9) and flutter (n = 1). In one case of atrial fibrillation, atrial activity interfered with positioning of QRS and T offsets. Regression coefficients between EClysis((C)) and CSE (software-generated and human) were above 0.95 (P < 0.0001). The confidence intervals were 95% for the slope and the intercept of the regression lines. Conclusions: The PC-based detection and analysis of PQRST points showed a high level of agreement with the CSE database reference values. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2009;14(Suppl. 1):S42-S47.