An evaluation of contourography as a technique for electrocardiographic data compression

Abstract Contourography is a technique to reduce large volumes of ECG data to a form which can be more easily reviewed. More than 700 hours of taped ECG information from patients with acute ischemic episodes have been reviewed and the advantages and limitations of the method examined. Gross changes in cardiac rate, rhythm, and wave form are easily identified. The contourographic technique is useful in demonstrating abrupt or phasic changes in cardiac rate and rhythm occurring on a steady-state background, demonstrating trend changes, and identifying data which should be subjected to more detailed analysis. ECG wave-form changes can usually be identified. Modifications to increase the usefulness of the method and the potentiality for “on-line” processing of the information are considered.