A modified Prony's method for tracking and monitoring the effects of autonomic nervous system blockade on heart rate variability

An advanced spectral analysis technique of good spectral resolution for short data records is introduced and is applied to Heart Rate Variability (HRV) signals. The method, based on an exponential model for the signal and on a new approach to the Prony's spectral method, calculates the power spectrum on a running temporal window. Power Spectrum Density (PSD) is hence obtained in each window of analysis, giving one the capability to follow the dynamics of the spectral parameters (high and low frequency powers). This method was applied to data obtained during Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) blockade (propranolol and atropine administration). The results showed that we can track the time-varying spectral features of the signal and to monitor the influence of ANS blockade on the heart.