An ECG generative model of myocardial infarction

Background and Objective Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of Myocardial Infarction (MI) using machine learning depends on a large amount of clinical Electrocardiogram (ECG) data. Existing infarct ECG databases face the problem of class imbalance. Data augmentation using generative simulation models is a new approach to effectively address this problem. Methods A multiscale ECG generative model was established for ECG data augmentation. In the cellular layer, an ischemic Action Potential (AP) model was established to generate APs in cardiomyocytes with different transmural regions of infraction or different ischemic durations. In the tissue layer, a probability-driven cellular automata excitation propagation model was established to simulate the propagation speed and direction of excitation. An infarct tissue model and a coronary artery model were established to describe the spatiotemporal diversity of MI. A ventricle model, a human torso model, and a computational model of surface ECG based on field source theory were established in the heart-torso layer. Results The model generated pathological 12-lead ECGs of MI with different topography and different extent. When simulating different ventricular wall infarction, the lesions appear in the same leads as the clinical 12-lead ECG. The ST-segment decreases and the T-wave amplitude decreases, similar to the clinical ECG features when simulating subendocardial ischemia. The average fidelity of the 12-lead ECG the model generated is 95.6%, according to the designed DTW-GRA distance algorithm. Conclusions The generative model considers the electrophysiological properties of the natural heart, the pathology of myocardial infarction, and the diversity of clinical ECGs. The model can provide many reliable samples for machine learning of MI.