Growth Hormone in Ischemic Heart Failure

Inclusion Criteria: * Ejection fraction at rest less than 40% at the screening visit as measured by echocardiography and a left ventricular enddiastolic diameter \> 32 mm/m2 * Stable, optimised therapy for heart failure for at least 4 weeks prior to randomisation including Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or if not tolerated, angiotensin II blockers and/or digitalis. If tolerated patients should receive beta-blockers for heart failure provided they have had a stable dose for at least 3 months prior to randomisation. The dose of diuretics may vary within a given dose-range considered normal for that patient as determined by the investigator. * Written informed consent obtained Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled hypertension, treated or not treated with a diastolic blood pressure \>105 mm Hg * Haemodynamic clinically significant primary valvular disease or significant congenital heart disease * Hypertrophic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy * Acute pericarditis/myocarditis * Echocardiography findings such as mobile thrombus, significant pericardial effusion and significant left ventricular aneurysm * Symptomatic or sustained ventricular arrhythmias within the last 3 months not adequately treated with antiarrhythmic drugs or internal cardiovertor defibrillator (ICD) * Unstable angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction within last 3 months * percutaneous coronary intervention performed within 6 months prior to randomization * Planned percutaneous coronary intervent…