Novel application of convolutional neural networks for artificial intelligence-enabled modified moving average analysis of P-, R-, and T-wave alternans for detection of risk for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias

T-wave alternans (TWA) analysis was shown in >14,000 individuals studied worldwide over the past two decades to be a useful tool to assess risk for cardiovascular mortality and sudden arrhythmic death. TWA analysis by the modified moving average (MMA) method is FDA-cleared and CMS-reimbursed (CAG-00293R2). Because the MMA technique is inherently suitable for dynamic tracking of alternans levels, it was selected for development of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled algorithms using convolutional neural networks (CNN) to achieve rapid, efficient, and accurate assessment of P-wave alternans (PWA), R-wave alternans (RWA), and TWA. The novel application of CNN algorithms to enhance MMA analysis generated efficient and powerful pattern-recognition algorithms for highly accurate alternans quantification. Algorithm reliability and accuracy were verified using simulated ECGs achieving R2 ≥ 0.99 (p < 0.01) in response to noise inputs and artifacts that emulate real-life conditions. Accuracy of the new AI-MMA algorithms in TWA analysis (n = 5) was significantly improved over unsupervised, automated MMA output (p = 0.036) and did not differ from conventional MMA analysis with expert overreading (p = 0.21). Accuracy of AI-MMA in PWA analysis (n = 45) was significantly improved over unsupervised, automated MMA output (p < 0.005) and did not differ from conventional MMA analysis with expert overreading (p = 0.89). TWA and PWA by AI-MMA were correlated with conventional MMA output over-read by an expert reader (R2 = 0.7765, R2 = 0.9504, respectively). This novel technique for AI-MMA analysis could be suitable for use in diverse in-hospital and out-of-hospital monitoring systems, including cardiac implantable electronic devices and smartwatches, for tracking atrial and ventricular arrhythmia risk.