About Heart Failure

Stages of Heart Failure

New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification Scale

Early-Stage Heart Failure

• NYHA Class I
  No symptoms at any level of exertion and no limitation in ordinary physical activity.
• NYHA Class II
  Mild symptoms and slight limitation during regular activity. Comfortable at rest.

Advanced-Stage Heart Failure

• NYHA Class III
  Noticeable limitation due to symptoms, even during minimal activity. Comfortable only at rest.
• NYHA Class IV
  Severe limitations. Experience symptoms even while at rest (sitting in a recliner or watching TV).

The NYHA classification scale is very useful for physicians and nurses who treat patients with heart failure. It helps them determine if the condition is improving, staying the same or getting worse. It is also used in research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments.