Class 3 angina, according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification, signifies a marked limitation in ordinary physical activity. Individuals experiencing Class 3 angina feel chest pain or discomfort (angina) even during less-than-ordinary exertion, such as walking short distances (ranging from 20 to 100 meters) or climbing a single flight of stairs at a normal pace. They are only comfortable at rest.
Several sources confirm this description:
- The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Angina Grade: Defines Class III as marked limitations of ordinary physical activity; angina occurs with walking 1-2 blocks on the level and climbing 1 flight of stairs in normal conditions. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/10067/canadian-cardiovascular-society-ccs-angina-grade
- New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification: While not explicitly CCS, the NYHA classification similarly describes Class III as marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity. https://manual.jointcommission.org/releases/TJC2016A/DataElem0439.html
- Multiple Medical Journals and Websites: Various reputable sources, including Medscape, Merck Manuals, and research articles published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, corroborate this definition. These sources consistently indicate that Class III angina represents a significant reduction in physical capacity due to angina symptoms.
In short: Class 3 angina is a moderate to severe stage of angina where even minimal physical activity triggers chest pain, highlighting a significant reduction in the patient's functional capacity.
