Classification of heart failure
1. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction LVEF <50% (HFref)
2. Heart Failure with preserved ejection fraction LVEF >50% (HFpef)
Heart failure can be staged according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification.
NYHA Class
Symptoms
I.
Heart disease not limiting physical activity; no symptoms with ordinary activity
II.
Symptom-free at rest; slight limitation of physical activity; symptoms with ordinary activity but resolve with rest
III.
IV.
Symptomatic at rest. Unable to carry out ordinary activity
50% of patients with heart failure (all classes) die within 4 years and 50% of those with class IV heart failure die within 1 year.
Symptoms: The physical and psychological symptom burden from heart failure in the dying phase is similar to that in the cancer patient in the dying phase.
Symptom frequency: pain (78%), dyspnoea (61%), depression (59%), insomnia (45%), anorexia (43%), anxiety (30%), constipation (37%), nausea/vomiting (32%), fatigue (62-70%), difficulty ambulating, and oedema.
Disclaimer
This Guide is intended for use by healthcare professionals and the expectation is that they will use clinical judgement, medical, and nursing knowledge in applying the general principles and recommendations contained within. They are not meant to replace the many available texts on the subject of palliative care.
Some of the management strategies describe the use of drugs outside their licensed indications. They are, however, established and accepted good practice. Please refer to the current BNF for further guidance.
While WMPCPS takes every care to compile accurate information , we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness and it is subject to change. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.