The Effect of Alfa-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade on Insulin-Stimulated Forearm Glucose Uptake and Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure

Inclusion Criteria: * Heart failure of at least New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II * Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \<= 40% * Age 18-75 years Exclusion Criteria: * Alfa-blockers, or beta-blockers with alfa-blocking activity (carvedilol) * Tricyclic antidepressants * Warfarin derivatives (acetylic salicylic acid and clopidogrel are allowed) * Hospitalisation in 6 weeks prior to the study * Any change in medication in 6 weeks prior to the study * Unstable angina * Orthopnoea * Known chronic disease of the autonomic nervous system * Diabetes mellitus * Oedema of the lower extremities, complicating the insertion of a venous catheter in a vein on the foot