Comparative Value of NYHA Functional Class and Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Scores in Assessing Heart Failure

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary exercise variables and plasma NT-proBNP are associated more with NYHA functional class and SAQ score than with MLHF score. When combined, SAQ score, NT-proBNP, and etiology of heart failure can satisfactorily predict peak oxygen uptake.

Cardiovascular effects of high-intensity interval aerobic training combined with strength exercise in patients with chronic heart failure. A randomized phase III clinical trial

“…Moreover, overall lifestyle habits were defined using standard procedures. Body-surface area was calculated [BSA = (height) 0.725 * (weight) 0.425 * 0.007184] and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification system was used to categorize all CHF patients [19]. In all statistical analysis, continuous measurements were used for blood pressure and biochemical parameters.…”

The Role of NT-ProBNP in Explaining the Variance in Anaerobic Threshold and VE/VCO2 Slope

“…Recent studies have assessed whether peak VO 2 can be predicted, [5][6][7][8][9] but to our knowledge, none has assessed whether AT or VE/VCO 2 slope can be predicted. It would be important to be able to predict these measures because Gitt et al 10 have shown that an AT lower than 11 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 and a VE/VCO 2 slope greater than 34 are better predictors than peak VO 2 for risk of early death.…”

“…Athanasopoulos et al 5 previously showed that the relation of MLHF score (r s ϭ -0.312, P Ͻ .05) with peak VO 2 was less strong than with SAQ score (r s ϭ 0.647, P Ͻ .001). 5 This may explain why only SAQ score could enter the multivariable model. Plasma NT-proBNP levels and etiology of HF (ischemic/dilated cardiomyopathy) were also individually related to AT with the former having an independent association.…”

“…5,6 Each question requires a "yes" or "no" response and corresponds to a metabolic equivalent of task (MET) value. From question 1 to question 13, there is an increasing difficulty in the activities, as shown by the respective increase in the MET values.…”

“…[3][4][5] Patients are asked whether in the past month HF has affected 1 of these aspects. A "no" response corresponds to a zero score.…”