SVM-based algorithm for recognition of QRS complexes in electrocardiogram

Among all electrocardiogram (ECG) components, the QRS complex is the most significant feature. This paper presents a new algorithm for recognition of QRS complexes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) based on support vector machine (SVM). Digital filtering techniques are used to remove power line interference and baseline wander in the ECG signal. SVM is used as a classifier to delineate QRS and non-QRS regions. Algorithm performance was evaluated against the standard CSE ECG database. The results indicated that the algorithm achieved 99.3% of the detection rate. The percentage of false positive and false negative was 12.4 and 0.7% respectively. It could function reliably even under the condition of poor signal quality of the ECG signal.