Can heart rate variability analysis predict the acute onset of ventricular tachyarrhythmias?

The changes that occur in the electrocardiogram just prior to the onset of fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias (WAS) have been the focus of much research in the last decade. Changes in heart rate variability (HRV) have been detected immediately prior to the onser of VTAs, however due to conflicting findings in studies with only small numbers of patients, the exact nature of these changes remains unclear. We used the technique of Wavelet Transform HRV analysis as well as more conventional techniques, to see if VTAs could be predicted in coronary care unit patients.