Therapy With Verapamil or Carvedilol in Chronic Heart Failure

Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic heart failure (NYHA II and III; LV ejection fraction, ≤ 35%) secondary to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy * Stable condition at least 6 months before enrollment on conventional therapy (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and diuretics). Exclusion Criteria: * Improvement in clinical status on conventional therapy in out-patients period preceded hospitalization, * Any changes narrowing epicardial coronary arteries in coronary angiography, * Insulin dependent diabetes, * Valvular heart disease (except the relative mitral regurgitation), * Endocrine disease * Significant renal and liver disease * Alcohol abuse * Lack of written informed consent