Evaluation of breathing dynamics using the correlation of acoustic and ECG signals

This research was aimed at finding a correlation between acoustic signals and heart activity parameters representing sleep disorders. The measurement of breathing through simultaneously acquired acoustic and ECG signals is used to quantify the respiratory obstruction during sleep. It is believed that the dynamic characteristics of this noninvasive technique allows for an inexpensive and accurate analysis of these events. ECG recordings from a number of subjects were used to collect electrocardiogram-derived respiratory (EDR) and heart rate variability (HRV) information. The respiratory signal was calculated using two methods: acoustic analysis and EDR. Comparison of the results indicates that both methods are equivalent in the assessment of breathing during sleep. The information collected by simultaneous recordings of acoustic effects and the ECG signal are partially overlapping, giving the opportunity to improve accuracy and partially complementing, allowing for extension of the sleep analysis aspect. Proposed data collection scheme is more convenient and can be performed in ambulatory conditions.