Crosscorrelation Techniques Applied to the Electrocardiogram Interpretation Problem

A study was made to see if a single, easily-recorded electrocardiogram lead can be used¿employing a crosscorrelation scheme¿to screen abnormal adult ECG waveforms from normal waveforms. The study also sought to classify the abnormal waveforms into their respective disease categories. Standard lead I (the potential from left to right arm) was chosen for the study. Only the QT interval, the part of the heart cycle resulting from the electrical activity of the ventricles, was studied. In addition to ``normal´´ ECG waveforms, four cardiac diseases were studied: right and left bundle branch block; and right and left ventricular hypertrophy.