- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessment must be performed within 90 days prior to randomization; (LVEF assessment performed by 2-dimensional [2-D] echocardiogram is preferred; however, multi gated acquisition scan [MUGA] scan may be substituted based on institutional preferences); the LVEF must be >= 50% regardless of the cardiac imaging facility's lower limit of normal; note: since the pre-entry LVEF serves as the baseline for comparing subsequent LVEF assessments, it is critical that this baseline study be an accurate assessment; if the baseline LVEF is > 65%, the investigator is encouraged to have the accuracy of the initial LVEF result confirmed and repeat the test if the accuracy is uncertain