Inclusion Criteria |
Admitted with decompensated heart failure or had heart failure of severity NYHA II or III within the past 24 months |
LVSF (left ventricular systolic function) with ejection fraction of <40% or moderate to severe impairment on 2D ECHO |
Stable and compensated heart failure for at least 4 weeks |
Exclusion Criteria |
NYHA IV |
Unable to speak English |
MI or revascularisation within the past 4 months |
Cardiac rehabilitation within the past 6 months |
BP < 100 mmHg systolic, demonstrated postural hypotension, or fall in BP on exercise |
Disabling CVA (stroke) within the past 6 months |
Severe musculoskeletal problems preventing exercise |
Unstable angina |
Ventricular or symptomatic arrhythmias |
Obstructive aortic valvular disease with a gradient of > 35 mmHg |
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy |
Documented severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring medication |
Case-note reported dementia or current severe psychiatric disorder |