NYHA Functional Class II-IV Pulmonary arterial hypertension
NYHA Functional Class II-IV Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a potentially life-threatening condition where the blood pressure in the pulmonary vessels is abnormally high. This can cause symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, and even heart failure. Symptoms vary from person to person and depend on how severely the pulmonary vessels are affected.
The severity of PAH is usually expressed in terms of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification. This classifies patients according to their symptoms into four categories, with Class II-IV covering the most severe cases.
NYHA Class II
Patients in this category have symptoms that appear during ordinary physical activities such as climbing stairs. They may also experience shortness of breath when lying flat.
NYHA Class III
Patients in this category experience symptoms even with minimal physical activity, and may experience shortness of breath even while at rest.
NYHA Class IV
Patients in this category experience symptoms even while at rest. This is usually the most severe form of PAH.
Treatment
Treatment for PAH focuses on controlling symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease, and preventing complications.
- Medications to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance and improve oxygenation and exercise capacity.
- Treatments to reduce inflammation in the lungs and open up constricted blood vessels.
- Diuretics and other supplemental medications for heart failure.
- Nutrition therapy, including changes to diet and lifestyle.
- Oxygen therapy to relieve shortness of breath.
- Surgery to repair vessels in severe cases.
It is important to talk to your doctor to find out which treatments are best for you. With proper treatment, it is possible to live a full and active life, even with severe PAH.
