ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Dynamical systems theory, probability, and entropy were the substrate for the development of the diagnostic and predictive methodology of adult heart dynamics. OBJECTIVE: To apply a previously developed methodology from dynamical systems, probability, and entropy in both normal and pathological subjects. METHODS: Electrocardiographic records were selected from 30 healthy subjects and 200 with different pathologies, with a length of least 18 h. Numerical attractors from dynamical attractors and the probability of occurrence of ordered pairs of consecutive heart rates were built. A calculation of entropy and its proportions was performed and statistical analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The normal patients' heart dynamics were evaluated according to the methodology of entropy proportions, highlighting that there are differences in normal patients with different pathologies. There was maximal level of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic agreement. CONCLUSION: Proportional entropy constitutes a diagnostic and predictive method of heart systems, and may be useful as a tool to objectively diagnose and perform the follow-up of normal and pathological cases.
