Functional Class III

[chipsanddip]

What does Functional Class III mean for a person without heart failure?

I had a metabolic stress test done. I have autonomic dysfunction, (hyperadrenergic postural tachy syndrome) mild emphysema, immeasurable fatigue, and other issues. I am a 41yr old female, normal bmi.

The results showed abnormal HR due to autonomic dysfunction as well as markedly abnormal ventilatory efficiency. But what does the functional class actually mean to me? And do the breathing problems (out of breath going up steps, inclines, carrying weight) relate to the heart rythym, or the mild emphysema?

Thank you!

[chipsanddip]

Hi Tom!

Thanks for your reply. This is why it confuses me. I do not have heart failure, so I don't understand what the classification means for me. I think that class III is accurate for me, but for other reasons. Maybe they just use the system for other conditions as well, like mine. Or maybe the metabolic stress test will always use this system, no matter the condition.

Anyhow, thanks for your help. Hope you are well :)

[tom_h]

You might be referring to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification.  This is a simple way of classifying the extent of heart failure. It puts patients into four categories based on how much they are limited during physical activity. These limitations/symptoms are in regards to normal breathing and varying degrees in shortness of breath and/or angina pain.

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

As a reference, Class I is minimal to no symptoms, while Class IV is mostly for bedbound patients.  So it's pretty tightly spaced.