Poincaré plot methods for heart rate variability analysis

Abstract

The Poincaré plot (named after Henri Poincaŕ) is a popular two-dimensional visualization tool for dynamic systems due to its intuitive display of the dynamic properties of a system from a time series. This book presents the basis of Poincaŕ plot and focus especially on traditional and new methods for analysing the geometry, temporal and spatial dynamics disclosed by the Poincaŕ plot to evaluate heart rate variability (HRV). Mathematical descriptors of Poincaŕ plot have been developed to quantify the autonomic nervous system activity (sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation of heart rate). Poincaŕ plot analysis has also been used in various clinical diagnostic settings like diabetes, chron..