Final answer:
The New York Heart Association has established four classes of heart failure based on the symptoms and limitations experienced by patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The New York Heart Association (NYHA) has established four classes of heart failure based on the symptoms and limitations experienced by patients. These classes are:
- Class I: Patients with no limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause any symptoms of heart failure.
- Class II: Patients with slight limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitations, or shortness of breath.
- Class III: Patients with marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity results in fatigue, palpitations, or shortness of breath.
- Class IV: Patients who are unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure are present at rest, and even minor physical activity can worsen these symptoms.