Which ASA grade would a patient with a cardiac murmur graded 1-2/6 be assigned?

• A. I
• B. III
• C. II
• D. IV

Answer: (C)

Understanding how the ASA physical status classification reflects systemic disease burden and functional status is the key idea here. A heart murmur graded 1-2 out of 6 is typically a soft, benign finding that does not impair heart function or daily activities. Because this represents only a mild systemic condition without limiting activity, it fits ASA II, which is assigned to patients with mild systemic disease that does not limit daily life. If the murmur were louder or accompanied by symptoms or demonstrable cardiac dysfunction, the classification would be higher (ASA III or IV). So, a mild, non-limiting cardiac finding aligns with ASA II.