Recurrence Analysis of Nonlinear ECG Signals Modeled with Coupled Van der Pol Oscillators

Abstract

In this work, we explore the generation of electrocardiographic (ECG) signals using a coupled Van der Pol oscillator model, utilizing parameters from the literature to simulate both normal and pathological ECG patterns. The model successfully reproduces arrhythmic behaviors such as atrial flutter, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular fibrillation. Due to the strongly non-linear nature of the system, the differential equations are solved numerically. We apply recurrence analysis techniques to characterize the dynamics of the generated ECG signals, providing deeper insights into the transitions between healthy rhythms and arrhythmic conditions. Our findings demonstrate that this approach offers a robust tool for the dynamic analysis of biomedical signals and contributes to the development of enhanced diagnostic methods for cardiac arrhythmias.