Classification and Severity of Angina

Class I

• No angina with ordinary physical activity (e.g., walking, climbing stairs). Angina with strenuous or prolonged exertion.

Class II

• Early-onset limitation of ordinary activity (e.g., walking rapidly or walking >2 blocks; climbing stairs rapidly or climbing >1 flight); angina may be worse after meals, in cold temperatures, or with emotional stress.

Class III

• Marked limitation of ordinary activity.

Class IV

• Inability to carry out any physical activity without chest discomfort. Angina occurs during rest.

References:

1. Abrams J. Clinical practice. Chronic stable angina. N Engl J Med. 2005 Jun 16;352(24):2524-33. [Medline]
2. Sangareddi V, Chockalingam A, Gnanavelu G, Subramaniam T, Jagannathan V, Elangovan S. Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification of effort angina: an angiographic correlation. Coron Artery Dis 2004;15:111-114. [Medline]