Functional Classification

Functional classification of pulmonary hypertension modified after the New York Heart Association functional classification according to the World Health Organization.

Class I	Patientes with pulmonary hypertension but without resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.

Class II	Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in slight limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.

Class III	Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope.

Class IV	Patients with pulmonary hypertension with inability to carry out any physical activity without symptoms. These patients manifest signs of right heart failure. Dyspnea and/or fatigue may even be present at rest. Discomfort is increased by any physical activity.

Modified after the New York Heart Association Functional Classification
Source: Rich S (Editor): Primary pulmonary hypertension. Executive Summary from the World Symposium on Primary Pulmonary Hypertension 1998: www.who.int/en