Wavelet decomposition of baroreceptor function tests in pigs

In this paper the function of baroreceptive mechanisms in anesthetized pigs were assessed during pharmacological baroreceptor function tests. Using the discrete wavelet transform the respiratory related high-frequency component was decomposed from the beat-to-beat heart period and systolic arterial pressure variability signals. The pigs were mechanically ventilated at 24 breaths/minute. The results showed that in these pigs the respiratory component acted as a noise source that blurred the sigmoid-shaped relationship between blood pressure and heart period changes during the baroreceptor function tests