Implementation of Wavelet-Transform-Based Algorithms in an FPGA for Heart Rate and RT Interval Automatic Measurements...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiology
• Digital Signal Processing

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases are the leading global cause of mortality, necessitating advanced monitoring solutions.
• Non-invasive ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors with automated interval measurements are crucial for diagnosing cardiac conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement FPGA-based algorithms for beat-to-beat heart rate and RT interval measurements.
• To develop a prototype ambulatory ECG monitor for real-time cardiac analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized continuous wavelet transform (CWT) with splines for QRS complex and T-wave end detection.
• Integrated an ADS1294 analog-digital converter and a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA for signal acquisition and processing.
• Implemented a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter for signal conditioning.

Main Results:

• The FPGA algorithm successfully detected various QRS complex and T-wave morphologies in real-time.
• Achieved satisfactory beat-to-beat measurement of heart rate and RT intervals.
• The prototype demonstrated effective data storage on micro-SD and display on LCD.

Conclusions:

• The developed FPGA-based algorithms provide a robust solution for ambulatory ECG monitoring.
• This technology enables real-time analysis of heart rate and RT interval dynamics for improved cardiac patient evaluation.