NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure

Heart failure is a serious medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. The four grades of heart failure are determined according to the New York Heart Association functional classifications (NYHA). These classifications, known as functional classes, are divided into four categories ranging from class I to class IV.

Classes II to IV generally refer to "heart failure" which is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of NYHA Functional Classes II-IV Heart Failure.

Symptoms of NYHA Functional Classes II-IV Heart Failure

The main symptom of advanced heart failure is difficulty breathing. Other common symptoms include:

Fatigue and weakness
Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, and other parts of the body
Dizziness
Frequent urination
Weight gain
Coughing
Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Causes of NYHA Functional Classes II-IV Heart Failure

Advanced heart failure is usually caused by one or more of the following conditions:

High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease
Other heart diseases
Reaction to a heart medication
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
Severe anemia
Obesity
Sleep apnea
Diabetes
Infections
Leaky heart valve
Certain types of cancer

Diagnosis of NYHA Functional Classes II-IV Heart Failure

Diagnosis of NYHA Functional Classes II-IV Heart Failure includes the following tests:

Physical Examination
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Echocardiogram (ECHO)
Cardiac Catheterization
Stress Test
Chest X-Ray
Laboratory Tests

Treatments of NYHA Functional Classes II-IV Heart Failure

Treatment for advanced heart failure depends on the cause of the condition. Treatment may include:

Medications and supplements
Lifestyle changes
Surgery
Cardiac rehabilitation
Device therapy, such as pacemakers or implanted defibrillators
Heart transplantation

Although there is no cure for advanced heart failure, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.