Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an atrial fibrillation through monitoring the R-R intervals of a patient's QRS complexes. Ratios of the current R-R interval are made to previous R-R intervals. Multiple moving averages are taken of the ratio results. The ratios are compared to a validating threshold and if the particular ratio is within a selected range, a moving average is calculated with inclusion of the present R-R interval. If the ratio is outside the range, a moving average is calculated without inclusion of the current R-R interval. The moving averages are combined and this difference average is compared to a trigger threshold. If the difference average exceeds the threshold, an atrial fibrillation is determined to exist, a memory trigger is provided, and the QRS complex data within a selected period of time about the atrial fibrillation event are recorded and removed from overwrite status in the memory.

Abstract: A method of monitoring heart failure is provided. A baseline heart rate change value is determined, wherein the baseline heart rate change value comprises a speed at which a first initial heart rate changes to a second initial heart rate. At least one subsequent heart rate change value is also determined, wherein the subsequent heart rate change value comprises a subsequent speed at which a first subsequent heart rate changes to a second subsequent heart rate. The subsequent heart rate change value is compared to the baseline heart rate change value to obtain at least one heart failure value. Systems and programs for using the method are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect irregular heart activity and estimate heart rate. In one embodiment, the heart rate estimation apparatus includes a group of six RR storage structures that receives an input of six successive RR interval values. The apparatus also includes a probability engine coupled to the group of RR storage structures, the probability engine is operable to calculate and output a mean value of the six RR interval values and a median value of the mean value and the six RR interval. In one embodiment, the apparatus carries out a method including the acts of determining a plurality of interval values between successive R waves; determining a mean of a group of six interval values; determining a median interval value for a group including the group of six interval values and the mean of the group of six interval values; and determining a running average of interval values between successive R waves using the median interval value.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting a heart beat and calculating heart rate on the basis of the detected heart beats, comprising means for measuring an EKG signal from a person's hands, a computer for detecting a heart beat from the measured signal and for performing a rationality analysis to verify a heart beat detection and for calculating the heart rate on the basis of the detected heart beats, the arrangement further comprising means for displaying the calculated heart rate and connected to the computer.

Abstract: Described is a motivational fitness device, which controls volume and power on a television or stereo component in response to the heart rate. The user must exercise in their specific heart rate target training range to keep their entertainment device turned on at an enjoyable volume. A heart rate sensing device relays heart rate to a remote control unit. The control unit receives and compares the users heart rate to the specified target range and sends infrared remote control signals (or not) to the entertainment device. If the user's heart rate drops below the target range, the volume of their entertainment device will gradually decrease and ultimately switch off until the user reacquires their target. Conversely, if the user is exercising too vigorously the volume will increase, motivating the user to reacquire their target heart rate range. This device requires no exercise equipment yet any type may be used with it.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for early detection of subacute, potentially catastrophic infectious illness in a premature newborn infant. The method comprises: (a) continuously monitoring heart rate variability in the premature newborn infant; and (b) identifying at least one characteristic abnormality in the heart rate variability that is associated with the illness. This method can be use to diagnose illnesses such as, but not limited to, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, pneumonia and meningitis. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for early detection of subacute, potentially catastrophic infectious illness in a patient.

Abstract: An arrangement for heartbeat detection, the arrangement comprising a first measuring device (202) for measuring the heart rate signal of a person on the skin of the person in a first measuring area, a second measuring device (204) for measuring the heart rate signal (204A) of a person on the skin of the person in a second measuring area simultaneously with the measurement made in the first measuring area, which first measuring device (202) comprises a transmitter (756) for transmitting the timing information (104A) formed in the first measuring area to the second measuring device (204), which second measuring device (204) comprises a receiver (714) for receiving the timing information (104A) transmitted from the first measuring device (202), which second measuring device (204) comprises a detection means (718) for detecting the heartbeat by means of the heart rate signal (204A) measured in the second measuring area and the timing information (104A) received from the first measuring device (202).

Abstract: A mobile client device, such as a wireless mobile or a palm sized personal digital assistant, is provided with a number of sensors and companion programming instructions/circuitry to generate a heart rate reading for a user holding the device. The sensors are used to sense blood flow rate of the user. The sensors are advantageously disposed in a distributed manner, in a number of locations of the mobile client device. The programming instructions/circuitry are used to infer a holding pattern of the device, and generate the heart rate reading, using a subset of the sensed data, based at least in part on the inferred holding pattern.

Abstract: In an exercise machine, when a measurement starts, an electrocardiographic signal is detected by an electrocardiographic sensor 1 (ST33), a load drive is started (ST4), and heartbeat rate intervals of the electrocardiographic signal are sequentially obtained. A fluctuation of heartbeat rate intervals PI(n)% is obtained from a calculation formula in which the RR interval RR(n+1) of the current heartbeat is subtracted from the RR interval RR(n) of the previous heartbeat, which is then divided by RR(n) and multiplied by 100% (ST5). Entropy is calculated from 128 pieces of such PI (ST6). From the change of the entropy under the gradually increasing load (ST8), a minimum point of the entropy is obtained, which point is designated as an anaerobic threshold point (ST7). The load of the exercise machine is controlled employing this anaerobic threshold.

Abstract: A method of detecting cardiac interval signals in cardiologic devices comprises the following method steps: time-resolved detection of cardiac events which are representative of the cardiac intervals; determination of the respective cardiac interval values between two successive cardiac events; statistical evaluation of a certain number of successive cardiac interval values; and individual comparison of the certain number of cardiac interval values with each other such that individual cardiac interval values which deviate significantly from cardiac interval values that occur there-before and there-after are recognized as faulty measurements and corrected.

Abstract: A heart rate monitoring system for visually indicating to an individual during a workout session the status of their heart rate relative to a desired heart rate. The heart rate monitoring system includes a floor mat having a first light, a second light and a third light within thereof electronically connected to a control unit for controlling the lighting of the lights. A chest unit is attachable to a body of an individual to determine the current heart rate of the user and then transmits via a signal the heart rate data to the control unit.

Abstract: An implantable monitoring device for monitoring a patient's heart rate variability over time. The device includes a cardiac electrogram amplifier, a sensing electrode coupled to an input of the amplifier, timing circuitry, processing circutry and a memory. The timing circuitry defines successive monitoring periods each extending over a period of hours, the monitoring periods together extending at least over a period of weeks and also defines successive shorter time periods during each monitoring period. The memory stores heart intervals between depolarizations of the patient's heart sensed by the amplifier during the shorter time periods. The processing circuitry calculates median intervals between depolarizations of the patient's heart sensed by the amplifier during the shorter time periods and calculates standard deviations of the median intervals calculated during each monitoring period.

Abstract: A method of monitoring heart failure is provided. A baseline heart rate change value is determined, wherein the baseline heart rate change value comprises a speed at which a first initial heart rate changes to a second initial heart rate. At least one subsequent heart rate change value is also determined, wherein the subsequent heart rate change value comprises a subsequent speed at which a first subsequent heart rate changes to a second subsequent heart rate. The subsequent heart rate change value is compared to the baseline heart rate change value to obtain at least one heart failure value. Systems and programs for using the method are also provided.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system including a highly sensitive technique for discriminating AF from AFL. An electrode disposed in or about a heart senses a cardiac signal. A controller through a sensing circuit receives the sensed cardiac signal from the electrode and processes the sensed cardiac signal to compute an average cycle length-to-cycle length variation based on serial interval relationships from the sensed cardiac signal, and then comparing the computed average cycle length-to-cycle length variation to one or more pre-determined threshold values to discriminate AF from AFL. As a result of substantial difference in cycle length-to-cycle length variation between AF and AFL (despite similar average cycle lengths), the sequence-based measure of cycle length-to-cycle length variability proves to be a highly specific and reliable discriminator of AF from AFL.

Abstract: A method for storing from a temporal sequence of a plurality of individual cardiac events cardiac rhythm information comprised of at least one determined type, in particular a sequence of time intervals between ventricular and/or atrial events, whereby a time interval continuum of the temporal distances between the events is subdivided into time portions of a predetermined length, which are each allocated a single-valuedd marker, in particular a number, each time interval detected with a detection of the cardiac rhythm as one recording is provided with the marker of the time portion into which it falls, the number of the recordings out of a predetermined total number of detected time intervals or belonging to each marker during a predetermined period of time, is assessed, and the markers which have been allocated from a predetermined number of time intervals or during a predetermined period of time at least one recording, each are stored along with the number of recordings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting potentially fatal arrhythmias up to twenty four hours in advance of the event by employing formulas indicating either too little or too much heart rate variability. A number of these formulas have both predetermined upper and lower limits, which if exceeded for a period of time are a predictor of a potentially fatal arrhythmia. When a patient's ALARM condition is predicted, whether the patient is indoors or outdoors, conscious or unconscious, a redundant protocol is utilized to relay that ALARM condition to a central monitoring station. The central monitoring station informs the patient's doctor, and then uses what ever means are available to transport the patient to the nearest emergency room for treatment. An apparatus and method for pacing the heart in a natural way, once a potentially fatal arrhythmia has been predicted is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heart rate monitoring system for visually indicating to an individual during a workout session the status of their heart rate relative to a desired heart rate. The heart rate monitoring system includes a floor mat having a first light, a second light and a third light within thereof electronically connected to a control unit for controlling the lighting of the lights. A chest unit is attachable to a body of an individual to determine the current heart rate of the user and then transmits via a signal the heart rate data to the control unit.

Abstract: A method of enabling a person to reduce tension as a way of improving the possibility that the person will reach a desired level of performance during a tension-causing event includes the steps of selecting a monitor capable of measuring the heart rate of a person and including a display constructed to show heart-rate variability (HRV), and connecting a person to the monitor. The method also includes allowing the person to view the display of their own HRV while connected to the monitor, communicating to the person a desired range of HRV and an undesired range of HRV, and teaching the person how to breath to reach the desired range of HRV and to verify that the person reached the desired range of HRV by viewing the display. In addition, the method includes directing the person to think of a tension-causing event; and repeating the teaching step until the person reaches the desired range of HRV while thinking of the tension-causing event.

Abstract: Method of analyzing biological signals representative of voltage changes, including obtaining an analog biological signal representative of voltage changes, using digital processing software to digitize the biological signal, displaying the processed biological signal in analog form on a display in a time compressed format, wherein an amount of compression for the time compressed formal is selected such that graphical patterns are made perceivable on the display that signify an abnormality in the biological signal, and visually analyzing the biological signal on the display to characterize the abnormality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizes conventional wireless heart rate monitor technology by providing a person with the ability to set upper and lower heart rates, i.e. a target zone, merely by inputting his or her age. Depending upon the physical conditioning of the user, the upper and/or lower limits can be selectively changed. The user also has the capability to program a desired time accumulation goal within the target zone and to observe, both during and after the exercise period, how much time has accumulated inside the target zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic wrist-worn device, such as a heart rate monitor, a sportsman's watch or a diving computer, and its control method. The outside of the casing of the device comprises a bottom surface to be placed against the wrist, a top surface (304), and a side surface (308) between the bottom surface and the top surface (304). On the top surface (304) of the casing there is provided a first display (306) connected to the control electronics. On the side surface (308) of the casing there is provided a second display (400, 402, 404; 406) connected to the control electronics. The best viewing angle of the first display (306) and the best viewing angle of the second display (400, 402, 404; 406) are at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees with respect to each other.

Abstract: Angiotensin II receptor antagonists are useful for decreasing QT dispersion or inhibiting the progression of QT prolongation in patients. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring the reduction in die risk of experiencing an adverse cardiac event, such as sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction or arrhythmias, using QT dispersion in patients treated with a therapeutically effective amount of an angiotensin II antagonist.

Abstract: An external defibrillator includes a detector used to detect a life threatening condition of a patient, a controller operating the defibrillator automatically and a therapy delivery circuit that delivers appropriate therapy. The defibrillator is attached to a patient and is adapted to monitor the patient and when a life threatening condition is detected, to apply therapy automatically. An averaging scheme is used to determine a current cardiac rate by taking a first average of the intervals between a preset number of successive cardiac events, establishing a differential between this average and the intervals, dropping the interval corresponding to the largest differential. In this manner, the effects of over- and undersensing are eliminated or at least reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus combines a plurality of incoming audio signals and outputs a combined audio signal. The incoming audio signals include a music signal, e.g., from a CD or cassette player, and a rhythm signal triggered by a user's heartbeat. The tempo of the rhythm will increase or decrease with the pulse rate of the user. In an alternative embodiment, the tempo may be set at a predetermined level to raise or lower the heartbeat of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizes conventional wireless heart rate monitor technology by providing a person with the ability to set upper and lower heart rates, i.e. a target zone, merely by inputting his or her age. Depending upon the physical conditioning of the user, the upper and/or lower limits can be selectively changed. The user also has the capability to program a desired time accumulation goal within the target zone and to observe, both during and after the exercise period, how much time has accumulated inside the target zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determination of heart rate, heart stroke volume, heart stroke volume, and cardiac output from thoracic bioimpedance signals and electrocardiograms. A unique bioimpedance electrode arrangement is employed, and the bioimpedance signals are corrected for gain-phase-frequency distortion through the use of sinusoidal test signals through the measuring or detection electrodes to identify distortions and correct for same during actual measurements. Time-derivative bioimpedance signals are employed, the power spectrum calculated, and a novel autoconvolution procedure used to emphasize the heart rate harmonic. Breath waves and other signals not indicative of the patient's cardiocycles are removed. Left ventricular ejection time is derived from the bioimpedance signals, and an improved version of Kubicek's equation is employed to derive heart stroke volume and thus cardiac output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining exertion levels in fitness or athletic training and for determining the stress caused by training. According to the invention, the ECG signal of a person and the timing moment of at least one waveform of the ECG signal, for instance the QRS complex, are measured by means of a heartbeat rate monitor during a training period. The heartbeat rate is calculated on the basis of corresponding ECG signal waveform distances, and a value proportional to the magnitude of the heartbeat rate variation or to that of a total or partial power of a spectrum derived from the heartbeat rate is provided by means of a mathematical function. Those exertion levels of the person which are essential as regards to training period or the stress caused by the training in relation to the exertion levels are determined on the basis of the heartbeat rate variation.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining the heart rate (f.sub.RR) or the refractory ime of the cardiac tissue, particularly for detecting tachycardia or fibrillation, has an electrode (E) for sensing heart action signals (SIG), an input stage, connected to the electrode, for processing the heart action signals, a refractory member for ascertaining a refractory time value of the arrangement, in each case after a predetermined segment of a heart action signal, and a processing device, connected to the output of the input stage or of the refractory member, for determining the rate of the heart action signals, processed with blanking of the component that occurs during the refractory time, or for determining the refractory time value of the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: An ischemia detector includes repolarization sensor which senses repolarization of the heart of a patient and delivers corresponding repolarization signals to a detecting unit and a workload sensor which senses the workload of the patient and delivers corresponding workload signals to the detecting unit. The detecting unit identifies a state of ischemia as existing upon the occurrence of a predetermined relation between sensed repolarization and sensed workload.

Abstract: A convenient low-cost heart rate monitor. In one embodiment, a digital filter structure includes a low pass filter having a notch at 60 Hz and a bandpass filter which amplifies signals in a frequency range from 10-40 Hz and has a notch at 60 Hz. This digital filter has a recursive structure and uses integer coefficients to simplify and speed up the calculations. A four bit microcontroller may implement the digital filter. The output of the digital filter is subject to enhancement signal processing to emphasize QRS complexes indicative of human heartbeats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable module for recording the cardiac activity of a person with the aid of a device delivering an ECG signal. The device includes a main energy source connected to a second energy source supplying a temperature sensor by a controlled circuit, a unit that picks up and processes an ECG signal, having an ECG signal filter stage, connected to two integrators with different time constants. The integrator outputs are connected to a comparator delivering a signal (E.sub.3) representing cardiac cycles. The device also includes a mechanism for placing the ECG signal pickup and processing unit in operation and a processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus in connection with measuring the heartbeat rate of a person. In the method, the ECG signal of the person and the timing moment of at least one ECG signal waveform, such as the QRS complex, are measured with a heartbeat rate monitor. The average heartbeat rate frequency of the heartbeat rate is calculated from the ECG signal. Heartbeat rate variation information proportional to the magnitude of the heartbeat rate variation or to that of the total or partial power of a spectrum derived from the heartbeat rate is provided by means of a mathematical function. The heartbeat rate variation information is displayed on the display of the heartbeat rate monitor together with the average heartbeat rate frequency.

Abstract: A heart rate sensing apparatus includes user mounted means for sensing the electrical activity of a user's heart and for transmitting a signal derived from the electrical activity of the user's heart. At least the sensing means can be mounted on the chest of the user. Signal receiving and processing means is provided, independent of the user mounted means, for receiving a signal transmitted from the user mounted means and for processing the shape of each signal so as to simulate an earlobe mounted sensor.