A new ECG classification system for myocardial infarction based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and information theory.

An optimized three-lead ECG hierarchial decision-tree type of classification system for myocardial infarction is presented. For selection of the best threshold values for each criterion and the best association of features, we developed a procedure based on "receiver operating characteristic" (ROC) curve data analysis and information theory. Optimization was obtained through maximization of information content of the criteria. The classifier is based on nine measurements that can be easily obtained by hand (QX duration, Q/R Y amplitude, R Y amplitude, Q/R Y duration, Q Z amplitude, QRS and T axes in the horizontal plane, Q Z duration and R Z amplitude) and achieved a satisfactory performance in an independent group of patients (true-positive ratio 0.853, false-positive ratio 0.105, average information content 0.308 bits).