PERSONAL-COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR TRACKING CARDIAC VULNERABILITY BY COMPLEX DEMODULATION OF THE T-WAVE

Complex demodulation of the T wave permits tracking of susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation under the clinically relevant conditions o f acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. To facilitate the process ing and to increase the applicability of the methods, we have develope d algorithms and applied mathematical transformations that can be carr ied out with a personal computer. The program is self-contained and me nu driven and transforms the data into a three-dimensional graphic dis play of magnitude of alternans (mV x ms), time in the cardiac cycle, a nd duration of the assessment. It is suitable for investigations with diverse experimental procedures such as coronary artery occlusion and release, autonomic interventions, behavioral stress testing, and drug administration. Our methodology may be employed in clinical conditions such as postmyocardial infarction, Prinzmetal's angina, and the long QT syndrome, wherein T wave alternans has been reported in body surfac e leads. Ultimately, T wave alternans analysis with use of the persona l computer system may help guide therapeutic interventions.