title: [Evaluation of 3 functional classifications of cardiac insufficiency: a national multicenter study. National College of French Cardiologists].
abstract: The scope of this study is a comparison of three functional classifications: the New York Heart Association classification, the Duke University classification, and the specific activity scale we propose. The NYHA classification is subjective, difficult to reproduce and poorly correlated to the functional capacity measured ergometrically (duration of exercise and/or VO2). A new classification must therefore be proposed. A specific activity scale adapted to our national requirements appears to be the best solution. Our study covered 15 successive days. All patients suffering from congestive heart failure who were examined over this period were included. 700 liberal cardiologists took part in this study. 2353 patients were reviewed, mean age 69 (58% male, 42% female). Heart failure was of an ichaemic origin in 37% of cases, idiopathic in 25% and due to hypertension in 25%. Symptomatology was left sided in most cases. Among NYHA Class IV patients, 75% belonged to Class IV of the specific activity scale (SAS) (23% Class III, 1% Class II), and 88% of the Duke classification (10% Class III, 1% Class II). For NYHA Class III patients, 80% were SAS Class III (5% Class IV, 13% Class II), and only 38% (42% Class IV and 16% Class II) of the Duke classification. Regarding NYHA Class II patients, 74% were SAS Class II (21% Class III and 4% Class I), and 26% of the Duke classification (39% Class I, 29% Class III and 3.6% Class IV). Finally, among NYHA Class I patients, 60% were SAS Class I (34% Class II, 5% Class III), and 74% of the Duke classification (11% Class II and 13% Class III).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Service de Cardiologie, CHU Pasteur, Nice.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gibelin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Poncelet
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gallois
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sebaoun
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Avierinos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
vernacular_title: Evaluation de trois classifications fonctionnelles de l'insuffisance cardiaque: étude multicentrique nationale. Le Collège National des Cardiologues Français.