TIME-FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF HEART-RATE-VARIABILITY BELOW 0.05 HZ BY WIGNER-VILLE SPECTRAL-ANALYSIS IN CONGESTIVE-HEART-FAILURE PATIENTS

The Wigner-Ville spectral analysis was utilized to demonstrate a high- resolution time-frequency distribution of heart rate variability below 0.05 Hz. There are different time-frequency characteristics between t he normal subject and the patient with severe congestive heart failure . The former consists of multiple and broad-band spectral peaks, while the latter presents unique spectral peaks. Based on Bayes theory, a c lassifier for the unique spectral peaks was developed. After the benef icial improvement with low-dose beta-blockers, the unique spectral pea ks had disappeared or the time of occurrence was reduced in most patie nts. (C) 1997 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.