Comparison of two methods for assessment of Microvolt T-wave alternans: Discrete vs continuous T-wave analysis

Micro T-wave alternans (MTWA) is a risk marker for life threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Classically, MTWA is assessed by quantification of beat-by-beat T-wave amplitude alternation. This method requires accurate determination of T-wave peaks (discrete method) to create a sequence of T-wave amplitude series, which undergoes spectral analysis using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for analysis. The need of precise measurements of T-wave amplitudes turns this method sensitive to noise. To overcome this limitation, a new method was developed, based on Hilbert Transform of the T-wave morphology series (continuous method). To perform this task, a 300 ms window containing the T-wave of every beat was isolated, and concatenated to form an artificial and continuous signal with T-waves. The Hilbert Transform was then applied to calculate the envelope of this signal. The alter-nans was detected over the envelope FFT, as a peak on the frequency that corresponded to half of the main signal frequency. Both methods were tested in 50 ECG signals of Physionet T-Wave Alternans Database, 31 synthesized and 19 real world signals. The comparisons of the methods were carried out by linear correlation test, Wilcoxon test, and Bland-Altman charts, in channels 1 and 2. There was no significant differences between both methods in all tests, either synthesized or real world signals. The novel continuous method to quantify micro T-wave alternans based on T-wave morphology is feasible, accurate and reproducible, and have potential clinical application.