We opted for an easier and user-friendly system of ranking using ‘coloured hearts’ that should allow physicians to easily assess the current status of the evidence and consequent guidance (Table 1). This EHRA grading of consensus statements does not have separate definitions of the level of evidence. This categorization, used for consensus statements, must not be considered as directly similar to that used for official society guideline recommendations, which apply a classification (Class I-–III) and level of evidence (A, B, and C) to recommendations used in official guidelines.

Table 1

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Scientific rationale of recommendations^a

Definitions where related to a treatment or procedure .	Consensus statement instruction .	Symbol .
Scientific evidence that a treatment or procedure is beneficial and effective. Requires at least one randomized trial or is supported by strong observational evidence and authors’ consensus (as indicated by an asterisk).	‘Should do this’
General agreement and/or scientific evidence favour the usefulness/efficacy of a treatment or procedure. May be supported by randomized trials based on a small number of patients or which is not widely applicable.	‘May do this’
Scientific evidence or general agreement not to use or recommend a treatment or procedure.	‘Do not do this’

Definitions where related to a treatment or procedure .	Consensus statement instruction .	Symbol .
Scientific evidence that a treatment or procedure is beneficial and effective. Requires at least one randomized trial or is supported by strong observational evidence and authors’ consensus (as indicated by an asterisk).	‘Should do this’
General agreement and/or scientific evidence favour the usefulness/efficacy of a treatment or procedure. May be supported by randomized trials based on a small number of patients or which is not widely applicable.	‘May do this’
Scientific evidence or general agreement not to use or recommend a treatment or procedure.	‘Do not do this’

a

This categorization for our consensus document should not be considered as being directly similar to that used for official society guideline recommendations which apply a classification (I–III) and level of evidence (A, B, and C) to recommendations.

Table 1

Open in new tab

Scientific rationale of recommendations^a

Definitions where related to a treatment or procedure .	Consensus statement instruction .	Symbol .
Scientific evidence that a treatment or procedure is beneficial and effective. Requires at least one randomized trial or is supported by strong observational evidence and authors’ consensus (as indicated by an asterisk).	‘Should do this’
General agreement and/or scientific evidence favour the usefulness/efficacy of a treatment or procedure. May be supported by randomized trials based on a small number of patients or which is not widely applicable.	‘May do this’
Scientific evidence or general agreement not to use or recommend a treatment or procedure.	‘Do not do this’

Definitions where related to a treatment or procedure .	Consensus statement instruction .	Symbol .
Scientific evidence that a treatment or procedure is beneficial and effective. Requires at least one randomized trial or is supported by strong observational evidence and authors’ consensus (as indicated by an asterisk).	‘Should do this’
General agreement and/or scientific evidence favour the usefulness/efficacy of a treatment or procedure. May be supported by randomized trials based on a small number of patients or which is not widely applicable.	‘May do this’
Scientific evidence or general agreement not to use or recommend a treatment or procedure.	‘Do not do this’

a

This categorization for our consensus document should not be considered as being directly similar to that used for official society guideline recommendations which apply a classification (I–III) and level of evidence (A, B, and C) to recommendations.