Cardiac analyzer with REM sleep detection

A cardiac analyzer comprising:

• data collection means for collecting physiological data from an individual, said data collection means having at least a first data channel for transmitting a first data set of said physiological data, said first data set including a first ECG data subset and an autonomic drive signal data subset from which autonomic drive fluctuation can be calculated;
• recording means for recording at least some of said first data set;
• and
• a computer coupled to said data collection means and to said recording means, said computer having a state detector means to analyze said first data set for indications of the autonomic drive fluctuation so that said computer causes said recording means to begin recording said first ECG data subset in response to said indications of the autonomic drive fluctuation.

A cardiac analyzer comprising:

• data collection means for collecting physiological data from an individual, said data collection means having at least a first data channel for transmitting a first data set of said physiological data, said first data set including a first ECG data subset and an ST waveform data subset from which indications of ischemia can be detected;
• recording means for recording at least some of said first data set;
• and
• a computer coupled to said data collection means and to said recording means, said computer having state detector means to analyze said first data set for said indication of ischemia so that said computer causes said recording means to begin recording said first ECG data subset during said indications of ischemia.

A method of recognizing a REM sleep state and collecting data characterizing cardiac electrical stability in an individual, said method comprising the steps of:

• attaching primary ECG electrode sets to an individual;
• collecting primary ECG signal data through said primary ECG electrode sets;
• monitoring said primary ECG signal data to determine periods during which a REM sleep state of said individual can be detected;
• and
• initiating recording of said primary signal data when said REM sleep state is detected.

A method of recognizing autonomic drive fluctuations via heartrate analysis and collecting data characterizing cardiac electrical stability in an individual, said method comprising the steps of:

• attaching primary ECG electrode sets to an individual;
• collecting primary ECG signal data through said primary ECG electrode sets;
• monitoring said primary ECG signal data to determine periods during which autonomic drive fluctuations of said individual can be detected via heartrate analysis;
• and
• initiating recording of said primary signal data when said autonomic drive fluctuations are detected.

A method of recognizing periods of ischemia via ST analysis and collecting data characterizing cardiac electrical stability in an individual, said method comprising the steps of:

• attaching primary ECG electrode sets to an individual;
• collecting primary ECG signal data having ST waveform data through said primary ECG electrode sets;
• monitoring said primary ECG signal data to determine periods during which ischmeia in said individual is detected via ST analysis;
• and
• initiating recording of said primary signal data when said ischemia is detected in ST waveform data.

A method of characterizing baroreflex sensitivity in an individual as a function of spontaneous fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, said method comprising the steps of:

• attaching primary ECG electrode sets to an individual;
• attaching a non-invasive blood pressure sensor to an individual;
• collecting primary ECG signal data through said primary ECG electrode sets;
• monitoring said primary ECG signal data and said blood pressure data to determine periods during which heart rate or blood pressure fluctuations occur in said individual;
• and
• initiating recording of said primary ECG signal data and said blood pressure data when said fluctuations occur.