What is a common symptom of class III New York Heart Association patients?

In patients classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III, there is a notable impact on their daily activities due to their heart condition. This classification indicates that individuals may experience significant symptoms during ordinary physical activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, which leads to severe limitations in their ability to perform these tasks. However, they typically do not experience symptoms while at rest. This distinction is critical in understanding the functional capabilities of patients with heart failure.

Those in Class III may describe fatigue, shortness of breath, or palpitations when engaging in everyday activities, reflecting a clear deterioration in their functional status compared to Class I or II, where patients might have milder symptoms or none at rest. By focusing on the severe limitations faced during ordinary activities, it becomes evident why this aspect characterizes Class III patients. The other classifications, such as I and II, describe less impact on daily life, while Class IV patients are those who have symptoms even at rest, highlighting how Class III stands out in this context.