Towards a method for early detection of congestive heart failure with an electrocardiogram and acoustic transducers

In an effort to improve the reliability of the detection of congestive heart failure, a method utilizing phase shifts of cardiac and thoracic acoustics coupled with ECG signals is described. The system consists of bipolar ECG electrodes placed on the pectoral muscles and acoustic transducers that monitor four locations across the chest and back. The method is tested on six healthy individuals; there are five males and one female. Amplitude of the acoustic and electric signals vary significantly so spectral analysis is utilized for classification. Frequency analysis of the data shows expected values for healthy individuals. For this initial set of data, cardiac acoustic responses are below 400 Hz. It is expected in patients with congestive heart failure to have frequency responses far beyond 400 Hz. This is due to a “crackle” sound that is produced in the lungs as a result of pleural effusion. It is also anticipated to see significant differences in phase shifts among healthy individuals versus individuals with congestive heart failure.