Micro-processor synthesis and analysis of the polarcardiogram

A low-cost micro-processor combined with a standard 3-channel electrocardiographic recorder was adapted to polar coordinate conversion of Frank orthogonal lead signals and display of the resultant polarcardiogram. The processor also functions as a computer of average transients for the ECG complexes and provides automatic recorder function at specified intervals during electrocardiographic exercise stress testing. Polarcardiographic variables such as magnitude, longitude and latitude at particular temporal points are calculated and values displayed by the micro-processor. The configuration provides an economical, accurate and reliable alternative to larger systems and may easily be adapted to other applications.