Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria NYHA Classes II to IV CHF History of hypertension or treated with anti-hypertensive medications Aged 20 or older and <80 years at the entry Stable with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or β-blockers Not treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers Exclusion criteria Patients who have renal dysfunction (serum creatinine ≥3.0 mg/dL) or those who are under chronic haemodialysis Drug hypersensitivity to olmesartan Severe liver dysfunction History of angioedema History of malignant tumour or life-threatening illness of poor prognosis Pregnant or possibly pregnant patients Cardiovascular surgery within 6 months prior to the date of the entry Acute myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to the date of the entry Percutaneous coronary intervention with or without stent implantation within 6 months prior to the date of the entry.

Other patients deemed unsuitable as subjects of the study by physician in charge.