A Study of Vericiguat in Participants With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) (MK-1242-001)

Inclusion Criteria: * History of chronic HF (New York Heart Association \[NYHA\] Class II-IV) on standard therapy before qualifying HF decompensation * Previous HF hospitalization within 6 months prior to randomization or intravenous (IV) diuretic treatment for HF (without hospitalization) within 3 months. * Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels: sinus rhythm-≥ 300 pg/mL; atrial fibrillation-≥ 500 pg/mL and N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) levels: sinus rhythm- ≥ 1000 pg/mL; atrial fibrillation - ≥ 1600 pg/mL within 30 days prior to randomization * Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of \<45% assessed within 12 months prior to randomization by any method * If female, is not of reproductive potential or agrees to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving study drug and for 14 days after the last dose of study drug by complying with one of the following: practice abstinence from heterosexual activity or use (or have her partner use) acceptable contraception during heterosexual activity. Exclusion Criteria: * Clinically unstable at the time of randomization as defined by either the administration of any IV treatment within 24 hours prior to randomization, and/or systolic blood pressure (SBP) \<100 mmHg or symptomatic hypotension * Current or anticipated use of long-acting nitrates or nitric oxide (NO) donors including isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide 5-mononitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, nicorandil or transdermal nitroglycerin (NTG) patch, and …