What does this mean?
Primary pulmonary hypertension is where the blood pressure is abnormally high in the arteries that provide blood to the lungs. In order to claim, the condition must have reached a position where there are symptoms of a particular severity as detailed in the definition and must be of a permanent nature. Because of the complexities involved in the diagnosis and classifying symptoms, the diagnosis must also be made by a Consultant Cardiologist (an expert in heart diseases). The NYHA classifications are an internationally recognised system of describing symptoms of heart disease. Explanation of the NYHA classification is as follows:
Class I (Mild): No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue, palpitation or shortness of breath.
Class II (Mild): Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation or shortness of breath.
Class III (Moderate): Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation or shortness of breath.
Class IV (Severe): Unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of cardiac insufficiency at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.