The relationship between NYHA class and the functional condition and quality of life in heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome that presents with increasing prevalence, and can restrict the individual as to the physical-functional, lung condition and quality of life. Check the quality of life, lung and physical limitations of patients and compare them with those in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Cross-sectional study, a sample of 66 patients (45 men). It applied a form of standardized assessment, spirometry, manovacuometry, of the six minute walk test (6MWT) and questioning the quality of life Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Patients average age of 57.95±10.96 years (Class I: 24, Class II: 27 and Class III: 15) and represented a sample with anthropometric characteristics homogeneous. For the lung condition, we observed a statistical difference in forced vital capacity (FVC), expiratory peak flow and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). In 6MWT distance significant difference between Class I and III and between II and III (Class I: 439.27±58.85 m, Class II: 370.96±74.41 m and 268.96±83.88 m Class III), with p<0001. For the SF-36, there was a decrease in quality of life as functional disorder of the classes. Patients with IC have decreased lung condition, physical and functional capacity and quality of life proportional to the increase in the NYHA functional class.