Wavelets for QRS detection

This paper examines the use of wavelets for the detection of QRS complex in ECG. Wavelets provide temporal and spectral information simultaneously and offer flexibility with a choice of wavelet functions with different properties. This research has examined wavelet functions with different properties to determine the effects of wavelet properties such as linearity and time/frequency localization on the accuracy of QRS detection. The sum of false negatives and false positives (total error in detection) is the criterion for determining the efficacy of the wavelet function. The paper reports a significant reduction in error in detection of QRS complexes with mean error reduced to 0.75%. This is achieved with the use of Cubic Spline wavelet - a biorthogonal third order wavelet. This paper reports that the use of wavelets reduces the error in detection of QRS complexes and that wavelet functions that support symmetry and compactness provide better results.