Which ASA class corresponds to a patient with mild systemic disease?

• A. ASA 1
• B. ASA 2
• C. ASA 3
• D. ASA 4

Answer: (B)

The ASA physical status classification is used to estimate perioperative risk based on the patient’s systemic health. A patient with mild systemic disease fits the category for ASA II. This means there is some systemic issue present, but it does not cause substantial functional limitation and is typically well controlled. Examples include well-controlled hypertension, diabetes mellitus without end-organ damage, obesity with mild systemic effects, or a smoker without active symptoms. In contrast, ASA I describes a healthy patient, ASA III indicates severe systemic disease that limits activity, and ASA IV reflects a severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life. So, the classification for mild systemic disease is ASA II.