mMRC grades
| Grade | Description |
|---|
| 0 | Breathless only with strenuous exercise |
| 1 | Short of breath hurrying on the level or walking up a slight hill |
| 2 | Walks slower than peers, or stops for breath at own pace |
| 3 | Stops for breath after about 100 m or a few minutes |
| 4 | Too breathless to leave the house, or breathless dressing |
MRC vs mMRC
The original MRC scale runs 1 to 5. The modified scale runs 0 to 4. So MRC = mMRC + 1.
NICE NG115 recommends pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD limited by breathlessness, usually MRC grade 3 or more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MRC and mMRC?
MRC runs 1 to 5; mMRC runs 0 to 4. Add 1 to an mMRC grade to get MRC.
When should I refer for pulmonary rehabilitation?
For functionally limiting breathlessness, usually MRC grade 3 or more.
Is the MRC scale only for COPD?
It is mainly used in COPD, but it grades breathlessness in other conditions too.
References
- NICE. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management. NG115. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng115
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