Table 2.

Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) classification for patients with advanced heart failure

INTERMACS stages for classifying patients with advanced heart failure
INTERMACS 1	Cardiogenic shock ‘Crush and burn’	Haemodynamic instability in spite of increasing doses of catecholamines and/or mechanical circulatory support with critical hypoperfusion of target organs (severe cardiogenic shock).
INTERMACS 2	Progressive decline despite inotropic support ‘Sliding on inotropes’	Intravenous inotropic support with acceptable blood pressure but rapid deterioration of renal function, nutritional state, or signs of congestion.
INTERMACS 3	Stable but inotrope dependent ‘Dependent stability’	Haemodynamic stability with low or intermediate doses of inotropics, but necessary due to hypotension, worsening of symptoms, or progressive renal failure.
INTERMACS 4	Resting symptoms ‘Frequent flyer’	Temporary cessation of inotropic treatment is possible, but patient presents with frequent symptoms recurrences and typically with fluid overload
INTERMACS 5	Exertion intolerant ‘Housebound’	Complete cessation of physical activity, stable at rest, but frequently with moderate fluid retention and some level of renal dysfunction
INTERMACS 6	Exertion limited ‘Walking wounded’	Minor limitation on physical activity and absence of congestion while at rest. Easily fatigued by light activity
INTERMACS 7	‘Placeholder’	Patient in NYHA Class III with no current or recent unstable fluid balance.