The most common heart failure classification system is the New York Heart Association Function (NYHA) classification, which is based on symptom severity:
Class 1 - No symptoms and no limitation in ordinary physical activity
Class 2 - Mild symptoms and slight limitation during ordinary activity - comfortable at rest
Class 3 - Marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity - comfortable only at rest
Class 4 - Severe limitations - experiences symptoms even while at rest