Detection of ECG characteristic points using wavelet transforms

An algorithm based on wavelet transforms (WT´s) has been developed for detecting ECG characteristic points. With the multiscale feature of WT´s, the QRS complex can be distinguished from high P or T waves, noise, baseline drift, and artifacts. The relation between the characteristic points of ECG signal and those of modulus maximum pairs of its WT´s is illustrated. By using this method, the detection rate of QRS complexes is above 99.8% for the MIT/BIH database and the P and T waves can also be detected, even with serious base line drift and noise.