A convolutional neural network based approach to QRS detection

In this paper we present a QRS detection algorithm based on pattern recognition as well as a new approach to ECG baseline wander removal and signal normalization. Each point of the zero-centred and normalized ECG signal is a QRS candidate, while a 1-D CNN classifier serves as a decision rule. Positive outputs from the CNN are clustered to form final QRS detections. The data is obtained from the 44 non-pacemaker recordings of the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Classifier was trained on 22 recordings and the remaining ones are used for performance evaluation. Our method achieves a sensitivity of 99.81% and 99.93% positive predictive value, which is comparable with most state-of-the-art solutions. This approach opens new possibilities for improvements in heartbeat classification as well as P and T wave detection problems.