In ACC/AHA classification, which stage corresponds to structural heart disease with no symptoms?

• A. Stage B: structural heart disease without symptoms.
• B. Stage A: high risk with no structural disease.
• C. Stage D: refractory HF requiring specialized interventions.
• D. Stage C: structural disease with prior or current symptoms.

Answer: (A)

Structural heart disease with no symptoms is captured in Stage B. This stage acknowledges that there are real anatomical or functional changes in the heart—such as prior a heart attack with left ventricular dysfunction, valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy—yet the patient does not have heart failure symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or edema.

In contrast, Stage A covers people at high risk for developing structural heart disease but who currently have no structural changes. Stage C describes those with structural heart disease who have had or currently have HF symptoms. Stage D refers to advanced, refractory heart failure requiring specialized interventions. So the stage that fits structural heart disease without symptoms is Stage B.