Table 3 New York Heart Association functional classes

I

Cardiac disease, but no symptoms and no limitation in ordinary physical activity, e.g. no shortness of breath when walking, climbing stairs etc.

II

Mild symptoms (mild shortness of breath and/or angina) and slight limitation during ordinary activity.

III

Marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity, e.g. walking short distances (20–100 m). 2Comfortable only at rest

IV

Severe limitations. Experiences symptoms even while at rest. Mostly bedbound patients