Implantable medical device responsive to heart rate variability analysis
First Claim
1. A method for evaluating heart rate variability of the heart of a patient, comprising the steps of:
- receiving a plurality of heart beat signals from said heart for each of a plurality of epochs;
computing a measurement of heart rate variability for each of said epochs;
defining an abnormal heart rate variability zone to include a first measurement of heart rate variability from a corresponding first epoch if said heart exhibits a cardiac anomaly during said first epoch; and
comparing said abnormal heart rate variability zone with said measurements of heart rate variability occurring after said first epoch.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for evaluating heart rate variability of the heart of a person in order to forecast a cardiac event. A cardiac stimulator receives heart beat signals from the heart and determines a measurement of heart rate variability based on statistical data derived from the heart beat signals and sensing data derived from a sensor. This measurement of heart rate variability is compared with previously stored heart rate variability zones defining normal and abnormal heart rate variability. These zones are modifiable after the occurrence of a cardiac event. Once a cardiac event is detected, a pathway is computed which extends from a generally normal heart rate variability condition to an abnormal heart rate variability condition. Subsequent measurements of heart rate variability are compared with this pathway. Selective therapy regimes are initiated depending on the measurement of heart rate variability.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for evaluating heart rate variability of the heart of a patient, comprising the steps of:
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receiving a plurality of heart beat signals from said heart for each of a plurality of epochs; computing a measurement of heart rate variability for each of said epochs; defining an abnormal heart rate variability zone to include a first measurement of heart rate variability from a corresponding first epoch if said heart exhibits a cardiac anomaly during said first epoch; and comparing said abnormal heart rate variability zone with said measurements of heart rate variability occurring after said first epoch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification