What type of heart failure is characterized by symptoms only at rest?

The correct answer pertains to Class III heart failure, which is indicative of a specific level of severity in heart failure classification. In the context of heart failure, Class III refers to patients who experience symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue with minimal exertion or even at rest.

Heart failure classifications, such as those outlined by the New York Heart Association (NYHA), specifically diagnose how the condition affects a patient’s daily activities. In Class III, heart failure symptoms become evident even with less demanding tasks, leading to a significant impact on quality of life. This can emphasize the progressive nature of heart failure and the importance of recognizing symptomatology in relation to physical activity levels.

In contrast, left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs and is characterized by pulmonary congestion and associated symptoms, while right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion and peripheral edema. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) focuses specifically on the contractility of the heart muscle rather than the symptomatic presentation at rest. Thus, the best fit that specifically addresses symptom presence at rest is Class III heart failure.