Chronic heart failure in the European countries occurs in 2-3% of the population with a significant increase in the higher age groups (1). Improved treatment of acute conditions (especially myocardial infarction) has resulted in more patients entering into the category of chronic heart failure. Chronic heart failure has a poor prognosis. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging both medically and economically. Half of the patients with systolic heart failure die within 4 years and more than 50% of patients with severe heart failure (NYHA functional class of IV) die within one year (1). The current treatments for heart failure are not only aimed at influencing the symptoms, but also preventing the progression of heart failure to reduce mortality.