Discrete wavelet transform applied to heart rate variability analysis in iron-deficient anemic infants

Abstract

To assess the autonomic nervous system development in iron-deficient anemic infants during sleep, we applied the discrete wavelet transform to perform heart rate variability analysis. The method provides suitable frequency resolution in the low-frequency domain, which is the domain of physiological interest. Significant differences between iron-deficient and control infants are shown in both quiet and active (REM) sleep, suggesting an autonomic dysfunction or delay in anemic infants.