Table 1 Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

Subjects > 70 years of age

Either gender

First diagnosis of heart failure defined as:

 a) Mild or moderate symptomatic heart failure (NYHA calss I to III)

 b) An echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40%

Patients who provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

History and/or clinical documentation of pulmonary embolism

Severe heart failure (NYHA IV or need for inotropic support)

Primary valvular heart disease

Pericardial disease

Severe obstructive lung disease

Primary pulmonary hypertension

Occupational lung disease

Asthma

Severe renal failure (serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL)

Significant peripheral vascular disease

Severe bradycardia (heart rate< 50 beats/minutes)

Second or third-degree atrio-ventricular block

Atrial fibrillation

Life expectancy < 1 year

Concern for inability of the patient to comply with study procedures and/or follow up

Any condition which in the opinion of the Investigator would make it unsafe or unsuitable for the patient to participate in this study

Involvement in the planning and/or conduct of the study

Participation in another clinical study with an investigational product during the preceding 30 days

Unable to give informed consent