[Maximal oxygen consumption as the basis for functional classification of patients subjected to surgery for a mitral...

A functional classification of the physical condition of patients operated on for heart diseases is proposed on the basis of exercise testing results. It is based on the assessment of maximum individual capacity to increase oxygen consumption over the resting level. The identification of 4 functional classes is supported by hemodynamic, ventilation and pulmonary gas exchange data obtained at the peak of exercise. The proposed classification meets the requirements of an objective and quantitative assessment of the patients' functional capacity as may be needed in the assessment of the efficiency of cardiosurgical correction of the defect, the rationing of therapeutic and domestic activity, working capacity prognosis and occupational recommendations.