Analysis of Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability for Stress Evaluation

Abstract

AbstractHeart rate (HR) and Heart rate variability (HRV) have been proposed as useful indicators for stress evaluation. The reliability and ultra-short-term analysis of these parameters require further investigation. This study aims to: (1) identify the reliable parameters for stress evaluation and (2) determine the surrogacy of ultra-short-term HR and HRV for conventional recording using the recommended standardised tests. Electrocardiograms (ECG) from the WESAD database consisting of 15 subjects were processed and analysed. Individual response to stress was evaluated. The reliability of ultra-short-term recording was examined by evaluating both the correlation and limits-of-agreement of ultra-short (1-min) and conventional short-term (5-min) recording. Our results showed that mean RRi and the mean HR were reliable in identifying stress condition. In the ultra-short-term analysis, most of the parameters showed significantly high correlation (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) with only the mean RRi and mean HR having good agreement (PE < 30%) and were statistically consistent between the 1-min and 5-min recordings. In conclusion, the ultra-short mean RRi and mean HR from 1-min recording could be potential surrogates for the standard 5-min recording.KeywordsHRVUltra-shortStress