Heart rate estimation by iterative Fourier interpolation algorithm

A new method of estimating the heart rate (HR) from electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, which accurately estimates the fundamental frequency of the heartbeat using the iterative Fourier interpolation algorithm, is presented. This frequency-domain method has two advantages: (i) the Fourier interpolation algorithm could improve the estimation precision of the heartbeat fundamental frequency significantly without increasing the recording signal length, which could monitor the HR variability; (ii) the heartbeat fundamental frequency is low, usually between 1 and 2 Hz; thus, the required ECG recording can be acquired at a low sampling frequency, such as 20-30 Hz, in which the conventional R-wave detection HR estimation method fails.