Automatic detection of QRS onset and offset points with reasonable accuracy
has been a difficult task, approached since the first attempts at computer
ised electrocardiogram interpretation. The problem is additionally complica
ted by the usual presence of power-line interference, electromyogram artefa
cts and baseline fluctuation in the original signal, especially in multipha
se complexes with small q, r, r', or s' waves. We propose a preprocessing m
ethod guaranteeing accurate preservation of the QRS boundaries, even in the
existence of strong power-line or electromyogram noise. Examples of detect
ion of QRS onset and offset points and a comparison with observer markings
are presented for the assessment of preprocessing efficiency and detection
consistency. (C) 1999 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r
eserved.