Table 1.
Functional Classifications and Disease Progression Stages of Heart Failure
New York Heart Association Functional (NYHA) Classes | ||
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Definition | Examples | |
NYHA Class I | No limitation of physical activity | Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea (shortness of breath) |
NYHA Class II | Slight limitation of physical activity |
Comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea |
NYHA Class III | Marked limitation of physical activity |
Comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea |
NYHA Class IV | Unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort |
Symptoms of cardiac insufficiency at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased |
American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Stages of Heart Failure | ||
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Definition | Examples | |
Stage A | High risk for developing HF, but without structural heart disease or symptoms of HF |
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, CAD, family history of cardiomyopathy |
Stage B | Structural heart disease, but asymptomatic |
Previous myocardial infarction, left ventricular dysfunction, valvular heart disease |
Stage C | Structural heart disease with previous or current symptoms, but managed with medical treatment |
Structural heart disease, dyspnea and fatigue, impaired exercise tolerance |
Stage D | Marked symptoms at rest despite maximal medical therapy |
Advanced disease requiring hospital-based support, a heart transplant or palliative care |