In this study, we propose a generalized likelihood ratio test statistic for detection of heart rate turbulence (HRT) based on a linear signal model. The new test statistic, which expands our previous original detector, takes a priori information regarding HRT shape into account. The detector structure is based on the extended integral pulse frequency modulation model which accounts for the presence of ectopic beats and HRT. The spectral relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and HRT is investigated for the purpose of modeling HRV ¿noise¿ present during the turbulence period.The performance was studied for both simulated data and real data obtained from the Long-Term ST database. The results show that the new detector is superior to the original one as well as to the commonly used parameter turbulence slope (TS) on both types of data.