Preparation of Electrocardiographic Data for Analysis by Digital Electronic Computer

Abstract

A pilot facility for automatic processing of electrocardiograms leading to their analysis by digital computer has been described. Wave forms from orthogonal electrocardiographic leads were recorded on magnetic tape. By means of newly designed conversion equipment these records have been converted from their original analog form into digital form. The further processing and analysis of the data thus becomes feasible through the use of commercially available digital electronic computers. It has been demonstrated that the electrocardiographic tracings as recorded from patients can be reproduced from the resulting numerical print-outs in their original and undistorted form. The further analysis of these records then requires only proper programming of a digital computer. The same equipment with minor modifications can be used for automatic processing of other analog data such as phonocardiograms, pulse tracings, and ballistocardiograms.