NYHA Classification

The New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification provides a simple way of classifying the extent of heart failure.

Class Symptom profile
Class I Patients with pulmonary hypertension but without limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause increased dyspnoea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.
Class II Patients with pulmonary hypertension with a slight limitation of physical activity. No symptoms at rest. Ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnoea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.
Class III Patients with pulmonary hypertension with marked limitation of physical activity. No symptoms at rest. Even less than ordinary activity causes undue dyspnoea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.
Class IV Patients with pulmonary hypertension who are no longer able to carry out any physical activity without symptoms. Signs of manifest heart failure are present. Dyspnoea and/or fatigue may even be present at rest. Symptoms are increased by the smallest amount of activity.