Development of robust, fast and efficient QRS complex detector: a methodological review

The basis and reliability for timely diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases depend on the robust and accurate detection of QRS complexes along with the fiducial points in the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Despite, the several QRS detection algorithms reported in the literature, the development of an efficient QRS detector remains a challenge in the clinical environment. Therefore, this article summarizes the performance analysis of various QRS detection techniques depending upon three assessment factors which include robustness to noise, computational load, and sensitivity validated on the benchmark MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Moreover, the limitations of these algorithms are discussed and compared with the standard signal processing algorithms, followed by the future suggestions to develop a reliable and efficient QRS methodology. Further, the suggested method can be implemented on suitable hardware platforms to develop smart health monitoring systems for continuous and long-term ECG assessment for real-time applications.