New york heart association
The New York Heart Association (NYHA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1915 to promote heart health and provide education and support to individuals with heart disease. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has a presence in many communities throughout the United States.
The NYHA is best known for its classification system for heart failure, which is widely used by healthcare professionals to assess the severity of heart failure and guide treatment. The system, known as the NYHA Functional Classification, categorizes heart failure patients into four classes based on their symptoms and ability to perform daily activities:
- Class I: Patients with no symptoms or mild symptoms that do not limit their ability to perform daily activities.
- Class II: Patients with moderate symptoms that limit their ability to perform daily activities, but they are still able to perform most activities without difficulty.
- Class III: Patients with severe symptoms that significantly limit their ability to perform daily activities, but they are still able to perform some activities with effort.
- Class IV: Patients with severe symptoms that greatly limit their ability to perform daily activities, and they are often unable to perform even simple activities without significant effort.
The NYHA also provides a range of educational resources and support services to individuals with heart disease, including:
- Heart failure education programs: The NYHA offers a variety of educational programs for individuals with heart failure, including online courses, support groups, and one-on-one counseling.
- Heart healthy living programs: The NYHA offers programs to help individuals with heart disease make lifestyle changes to improve their heart health, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and increasing physical activity.
- Support groups: The NYHA offers support groups for individuals with heart disease and their families, providing a safe and supportive environment to share experiences and receive emotional support.
- Advocacy: The NYHA advocates for policies and programs that promote heart health and improve the lives of individuals with heart disease.
Overall, the New York Heart Association is a valuable resource for individuals with heart disease, providing education, support, and advocacy to help them manage their condition and improve their overall health.