A modified Hilbert-Huang algorithm to the assessment of heart rate variability

Heart rate variability is a classical method to quantify the autonomic outflow to the cardiovascular system. The current methods in frequency and time-frequency domains have shown some limitations in resolution. In this paper, we propose a modified Hilbert-Huang algorithm to the assessment of autonomic activity in heart rate signals. These approaches are evaluated while analyzing both simulated signals and experimental data from tachograms associated with cardiac autonomic blockade of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.