Table 1.

Characteristics of patients with congestive heart failure

Male/female (n)	24/17
Age (years)	67.4 (1.8)
LVEF (%)	39.0 (2.7)
BNP (pg/ml)	308 (45.1)
Underlying heart disease (n)
Ischaemic heart disease	14
Valvar heart disease	12
Cardiomyopathy	7
Arrhythmia	7
Congenital heart disease	1
Drugs (n)
Nitrates	16
ACE inhibitors	10
β Blockers	1
Digoxin	13
Diuretics	29

ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; BNP, brain natriuretic peptide; CHF, congestive heart failure; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction.