NYHA Class I - IV

New York Heart Association functional classification. An assessment of physical limitations and symptoms of patients with heart disease. This classification system has been modified slightly by the WHO World Symposium on PH to describe pulmonary hypertension patients. Briefly stated:

• Class I: Patients with pulmonary hypertension but without resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.
• Class II: slight limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.
• Class III: marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.
• Class IV: inability to carry out any physical activity without symptoms. These patients manifest signs of right heart failure. Dyspnea and/or fatigue may even be present at rest. Discomfort is increased by any physical activity.