The American journal of cardiology
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A prospective study was carried out to evaluate accuracy of a real time computer system for arrhythmia monitoring in a coronary care unit. QRS complexes in 57 continuously recorded 30 minute electrocardiographic rhythm strips from 30 patients were classified by the computer. Blinded interpretation of each beat was made by a cardiologist. ⋯ This approach combines major elements of cross correlation of QRS signals as well as grouping of complexes into families. Normal and abnormal templates are stored and newly detected QRS complexes are matched. The program appears to be sufficiently accurate to warrant further applications.