Redefining performance evaluation tools for real-time QRS complex classification systems.

In a heartbeat classification procedure, the detection of QRS complex waveforms is necessary. In many studies, this heartbeat extraction function is not considered: the inputs of the classifier are assumed to be correctly identified. This communication aims to redefine classical performance evaluation tools in entire QRS complex classification systems and to evaluate the effects induced by QRS detection errors on the performance of heartbeat classification processing (normal versus abnormal).