ISACHC classification
The ISACHC classification is a classification for the severity of heart disease in small animals . The term is an acronym of the I nternational S mall A nimal C ardiac H ealth C ouncil and is an alternative to from the human medicine acquired NYHA -Classification needed. It basically describes three degrees of severity of heart disease:
- Class 1: Asymptomatic animals
- Class 2: Mild to moderate heart failure
- Class 3: Severe heart failure
The classes are further subdivided here:
- ISACHC 1a: no enlargement of the heart can be seen in the X-ray
- ISACHC 1b: the X-ray shows the heart enlarged
- ISACHC class 1 essentially corresponds to NYHA class I.
- ISACHC 2: manifests itself mainly through reduced exercise tolerance and performance. Furthermore, a slightly increased resting frequency of breathing can be ascertained; physical exertion leads to shortness of breath and coughing .
- ISACHC 2: manifests itself mainly through reduced exercise tolerance and performance. Furthermore, a slightly increased resting frequency of breathing can be ascertained; physical exertion leads to shortness of breath and coughing .
- ISACHC class 2 corresponds to NYHA class II and its transition to class III.
- ISACHC 3: the affected animals show dyspnoea and cough even when at rest; there are often signs of edema . The classification includes NYHA classes III and IV.
- ISACHC 3a: outpatient treatment of the disease is possible
- ISACHC 3b: the animal must be cared for as an inpatient for stabilization .
literature
- Fox, PR, Sisson, D., and Moïse, NS eds .: International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council 1999. Appendix A - Recommendations for diagnosis of heart disease and treatment of heart failure in small animals. Textbook of canine and feline cardiology . 2nd Edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1999.