Functional Capacity Assessment
Evaluation of a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and physical exercise, crucial for geriatric cardiac care.
Full Definition
Functional capacity assessment in geriatric cardiology involves systematic evaluation of a patient's physical abilities and limitations in performing activities of daily living and exercise. This assessment includes objective measures such as six-minute walk test, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and subjective measures like New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. In elderly cardiac patients, functional capacity is a strong predictor of outcomes and guides treatment decisions. The assessment helps determine candidacy for procedures, rehabilitation potential, and overall prognosis while considering age-related decline and cardiovascular limitations.
Usage
Usage note: Include both objective measures and functional class in documentation.
In Context
- "Functional capacity assessment revealed severe limitation with NYHA Class III symptoms." — Pre-procedural evaluation
- "The six-minute walk test was used for objective functional capacity assessment." — Cardiac rehabilitation referral