Frequency content of the QRS notching in high-fidelity canine ECG

High-fidelity ECGs, defined as ECG signals including high-frequency components, have been studied and variations in the incidence of fine notches and slurs on the QRS complex were reported in different myocardial pathologies. These observations might be of clinical importance since they suggested a noninvasive marker for cardiac dysfunctions. We studied high-fidelity ECG waveforms displaying pronounced notches and slurs. Signals were obtained from 12 anesthetized dogs. Computer analysis included digital averaging, followed by digital filtering in different frequency bands in order to determine the frequency range corresponding to notches and slurs. Low-pass filtering of the low-noise average waveforms was performed while gradually lowering the upper frequency limit, until the fine notch (or slur) could no longer be visually detected, thus determining the lower limit of its frequency content. A band cutoff filter was then applied to the original average waveform. The lower limit of the band cutoff filter was set at the frequency previously determined as the lower limit of the notch (or slur), and its upper limit was determined by gradual raising until the notch (or slur) was visually indistinct. Following this approach, the notches were found to contribute to a frequency range of 40-185 Hz, whereas the slurs contributed only to the lower subrange of this frequency band below 100 Hz.