The AZTEC preprocessing program effectively reduces ECG data rates by a factor of 10 while preserving information for real-time rhythm analysis.
A preprocessing program developed for real-time monitoring of the electrocardiogram by digital computer has proved useful for rhythm analysis. The program suppresses low amplitude signals, reduces the data rate by a factor of about 10, and codes the result in a form convenient for analysis.
Cox et al. (1968) studied this question.