Signal analysis in cardiology

Signal analysis in cardiology has had a long and successful history. It has been associated, in one form or another, with diagnostic electrocardiography since the technique was first introduced. Initially all analysis was manual by an experienced electrocardiologist. Subsequently signal processing techniques were used to improve the quality of the electrocardiogram (EGG), simplifying manual measurement. Then with the increasing use of electronics in the 1950s signal analysis developed considerably. Now, with the ubiquitous computer, signal analysis is primarily a digital analysis technique. However, it should be noted that even though computers have displaced much analogue electronic processing they have not completely taken over that function. Many modern medical devices incorporate analogue and microprocessor technology. There is a huge range of signal analysis techniques available. The choice of technique will depend on the application. For success, it is particularly important to be clear about the aims of any signal analysis project. Some areas of signal analysis, such as aspects of patient monitoring, pacemaking and diagnostic electrocardiography have been successfully tackled. However, even in these areas there is still room for improvement, and there are many other clinical areas where problems requiring signal analysis are still to be solved