System identification: a multi-signal approach for probing neural cardiovascular regulation

Short-term, beat-to-beat cardiovascular variability reflects the dynamic interplay between ongoing perturbations to the circulation and the compensatory response of neurally mediated regulatory mechanisms. This physiologic information may be deciphered from the subtle, beat-to-beat variations by using digital signal processing techniques. While single signal analysis techniques (e.g., power spectral analysis) may be employed to quantify the variability itself, the multi-signal approach of system identification permits the dynamic characterization of the neural regulatory mechanisms responsible for coupling the variability between signals. In this review, we provide an overview of applications of system identification to beat-to-beat variability for the quantitative characterization of cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. After briefly summarizing the history of the field and basic principles, we take a didactic approach to describe the practice of system identification in the context of probing neural cardiovascular regulation. We then review studies in the literature over the past two decades that have applied system identification for characterizing the dynamical properties of the sinoatrial node, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and the baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity, heart rate and total peripheral resistance. Based on this literature review, we conclude by advocating specific methods of practice and that future research should focus on nonlinear and time-varying behaviors, validation of identification methods, and less understood neural regulatory mechanisms. Ultimately, we hope that this review stimulates such future investigations by both new and experienced system identification researchers.