Which ASA physical status category is assigned to a patient with well-controlled hypertension and no other systemic disease?

Explanation

## ASA Physical Status Classification Overview **Key Point:** ASA II is defined as a patient with mild systemic disease that does not limit activity. Well-controlled hypertension without end-organ damage or other comorbidities falls into this category. ## ASA Categories at a Glance | ASA Class | Definition | Examples | | --- | --- | --- | | I | Healthy, no systemic disease | Young, fit patient undergoing elective surgery | | II | Mild systemic disease, no functional limitation | Well-controlled HTN, mild DM, mild asthma, obesity (BMI 30–40) | | III | Severe systemic disease with functional limitation | Poorly controlled HTN, severe DM with complications, COPD, CAD | | IV | Severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life | Unstable angina, recent MI, severe aortic stenosis, sepsis | | V | Moribund patient not expected to survive 24 hrs without surgery | Ruptured AAA, massive PE, severe trauma | | VI | Declared brain-dead organ donor | — | **High-Yield:** The key distinction between ASA II and ASA III is **functional limitation**. ASA II patients have disease but can perform normal activities; ASA III patients have functional impairment. **Clinical Pearl:** Well-controlled chronic conditions (HTN on medication, stable asthma, mild DM without complications) are ASA II. The disease must be stable and not limit daily function. ## Why ASA II? Hypertension is a systemic disease (ASA I excludes all systemic disease), but when well-controlled with no end-organ damage, it does not functionally limit the patient. Therefore, ASA II is appropriate.