- Objective evidence, either during the index admission or at least 180 days before enrollment, of a structural or functional abnormality of the heart at rest, and defined as: N terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide >1000 pg/ml or brain natriuretic peptide >100 pg/ml or echocardiographic abnormalities congruent with HF diagnosis such as: systolic left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF <50%); left ventricular hypertrophy (defined as left ventricular septum or left ventricular posterior wall thickness ≥12 millimeters or left ventricular mass index >104 g/m2 in women or 116 g/m2 in men); Ee`>15 or significant valvular heart disease (moderate-severe).