• Effect of Standard of Care therapy versus Standard of Care plus NT-proBNP targeted therapy on total cardiovascular events [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  

• Effect of Standard of Care therapy versus Standard of Care plus NT-proBNP targeted therapy on the reduction of outpatient decompensated HF. [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  
• Effect of Standard of Care therapy versus Standard of Care plus NT-proBNP targeted therapy on change in NT-proBNP levels, both the change in absolute value as well as in relative value, from baseline to end of study. [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  
• Effect of Standard of Care therapy versus Standard of Care plus NT-proBNP targeted therapy alone on echocardiographic parameters including LV systolic and diastolic function, RV systolic and diastolic function, RV systolic pressures, degree of valvular [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  
• Effect of Standard of Care therapy versus Standard of Care plus NT-proBNP targeted therapy on the reduction of all cause mortality. [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  
• Ability of cTnT and hsCRP, independently as well as together with NT-proBNP, to predict cardiovascular endpoints. [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Effect of Standard of Care therapy versus Standard of Care plus NT-proBNP targeted therapy alone on patient quality of life. [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  
• Cost benefits of NT-proBNP guided HF therapy versus standard of care. [ Time Frame: One year ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  

300 patients with class II-IV heart failure (HF) due to systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) and recent (within 6 months) destabilized HF will be randomized 1:1 to either 'standard of care' therapy for their HF versus 'standard of care plus NT-proBNP guided' care.

At randomization, patients at MGH will undergo a 2-dimensional echocardiogram for cardiac structure and function.

Patients randomized to the 'standard of care' arm of the study will receive aggressive therapy for their HF, including evidence-based addition/titration of therapeutic agents in the trial, such as carvedilol or metoprolol XL, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, spironolactone inhibitors (for those in class III or IV), digoxin (when applicable), loop diuretics, as well as nitrates with or without hydralazine. Biventricular pacing with/without ICD capability will be performed at the discretion of the investigator. Any changes in therapy will be accompanied by a 2 week follow up for re-assessment and further titration of medications, based on clinical judgment.

At each interim visit, patients in the 'standard of care' arm will have a Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire taken. For all visits, including those triggered by med changes, laboratories will be checked including serum chemistries; a sample of blood for blinded NT-proBNP, troponin T, and high sensitivity CRP will be obtained for measurement after the trial is complete.

Patients randomized to the 'standard of care plus NT-proBNP guided' arm will receive the same aggressive medical care as above, but will also have an unblinded measurement of NT-proBNP provided to the study investigator within an hour of first patient contact. Therapeutic decision-making will be first based on clinical acumen/judgment, but if the NT-proBNP is elevated, per protocol, the investigator will adjust therapies accordingly, including escalation of existing therapies with known effects on NT-proBNP levels, as well as possible addition of similar therapies not yet in use (such as spironolactone).

Patients will be followed for events including destabilized HF (in or outpatient), cardiovascular events (including ischemic complications, ICD discharge, or development of non-fatal arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation), or death.

At the end of one year, event rates will be assessed and the outcomes in the two arms will be compared. As well, echocardiography will be performed on subjects at one year and differences from baseline in both groups will be assessed.