Cardiology
The NYHA classification describes the severity of limitations caused by cardiovascular symptoms during physical activity across four classes. It is widely used in heart failure to communicate the functional impact and monitor its progression. It is a clinical assessment, not a quantitative self-questionnaire.
Number of questions
4 classes
Approximate duration
≈ 1 minute
Population
patients with symptomatic heart disease, particularly heart failure
Modality
clinical assessment based on symptoms and usual activity
QuestionnaireNYHA
CLINICIAN SCORE
Base this on concrete activity examples and the patient's usual state.
Are you patient?
You can describe what you can and cannot manage in your daily life, but your NYHA class should ideally be determined alongside the healthcare professional who knows your situation.
Terms of contract
Base this on examples of concrete activities and the patient's usual condition. The functional class may vary depending on treatment, decompensation, or other conditions that limit exertion.
Score interpretationNYHA
No point scoring: selection of a single class from four clinical descriptions. Result: class I, II, III, or IV.
Total score
First reading
1
to
1
No notable limitation of ordinary physical activity; ordinary activity does not cause significant cardiovascular symptoms.
2
to
2
Slight limitation; comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in dyspnoea, fatigue, palpitations or discomfort.
3
to
3
Marked limitation; comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity causes symptoms.
4
to
4
Possible symptoms at rest and inability to perform any physical activity without increased discomfort.
Ordinal classification: a higher class corresponds to a greater functional impact.
It involves a degree of subjectivity and can be influenced by age, physical fitness, and respiratory or musculoskeletal diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NYHA a score?
Can you fill in the NYHA yourself?
What are its limitations?
Sources and references
American Heart Association
American Heart Association — Classes of Heart Failure
In practice
Full name
New York Heart Association Functional Classification
Method
clinical assessment based on symptoms and usual activity
Language
Not applicable (clinical classification)
Authors
American Heart Association
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