Detection of Power-Line Interference in ECG signals using frequency-domain analysis

ECG signals can be seriously distorted by Power-Line Interference (PLI), the electromagnetic interference of power-line cables. This contamination can lead to imprecise measurements of the ECG wave durations and amplitudes. Therefore, the accuracy of the ECG analysis can be significantly reduced. The aim of this study was to develop and test a PLI detection algorithm, including the automatic recognition of the correct frequency and evaluating their level of inference. This enables an appropriate filtering whenever needed.