TABLE 1

NYHA and ACC/AHA Classifications for Heart Failure

NYHA classificationACC/AHA classification
DescriptionClassClassDescription
AHigh risk of developing heart failure but no functional or structural heart deficits
No limitation and no symptoms from ordinary activityIBStructural heart deficit but no symptoms
Mild limitation with activity and comfortable at rest or with mild exertionIICHeart failure symptoms due to underlying structural heart deficit with medical management
Significant limitation with any activity and comfortable only at restIIICHeart failure symptoms due to underlying structural heart deficit with medical management
Discomfort with any physical activity and symptoms occurring at restIVDAdvanced disease requiring hospitalization, transplant, or palliative care
  • Arrows indicate potential directions of stage progression. Horizontal alignment indicates corresponding stages between the 2 classifications.