Criteria

New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification of heart failure based on severity of symptoms and physical activity[1]

  • Class I: asymptomatic

    • No limitation of physical activity

    • Ordinary physical activity does not result in undue breathlessness, fatigue, or palpitations

  • Class II: mild symptoms with moderate exertion

    • Slight limitation of physical activity

    • Comfortable at rest

    • Ordinary physical activity causes undue breathlessness, fatigue, or palpitations

  • Class III: symptoms with minimal activity

    • Marked limitation of physical activity

    • Comfortable at rest

    • Less than ordinary physical activity causes undue breathlessness, fatigue, or palpitations

  • Class IV: symptoms at rest

    • Unable to carry on any physical activity without discomfort

    • Discomfort increases if any physical activity undertaken

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