Self-similarity in variability of human heart variability at various stages of ontogenesis
Turovskiĭ, I.A.; Bitiutskaia, L.A.; Mishin, V.V.; Kiseleva, E.V.; Iakovlev, V.N.
Biofizika 48(4): 727-732
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-3029 PMID: 14515494 Document Number: 560276
We consider the potential of applying wavelet analysis to fluctuations found in physiological systems. We focus on cardiac interbeat interval time series (RR-intervals) from a group of young adults and children and fetus heart beat rate time series (antepartum cardiotocography), because the wavelet analysis of these heart rate dynamics may provide important practical diagnostic and prognostic information not obtainable with current approaches. We show that all the signals analyzed are self-similar and propose a method for estimating this scaling feature.