Personal computer system for tracking cardiac vulnerability by complex demodulation of the T wave.

Complex demodulation of the T wave permits tracking of susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation under the clinically relevant conditions of acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. To facilitate the processing and to increase the applicability of the methods, we have developed algorithms and applied mathematical transformations that can be carried out with a personal computer. The program is self-contained and menu driven and transforms the data into a three-dimensional graphic display of magnitude of alternans (mV x ms), time in the cardiac cycle, and duration of the assessment. It is suitable for investigations with diverse experimental procedures such as coronary artery occlusion and release, autonomic interventions, behavioral stress testing, and drug administration. Our methodology may be employed in clinical conditions such as postmyocardial infarction. Prinzmetal's angina, and the long QT syndrome, wherein T wave alternans has been reported in body surface leads. Ultimately, T wave alternans analysis with use of the personal computer system may help guide therapeutic interventions.