Antiremodeling Effect Of Aldosterone Receptors Blockade With Canrenone In Mild Chronic Heart Failure. AREA IN-CHF Study

Inclusion Criteria: * Established diagnosis of congestive heart failure in NYHA class II * Left ventricular ejection fraction \<= 45% measured within 6 months from enrolment * Stable standard heart failure therapy (if patients are on beta blocker drugs, treatment must have been started at least three months before enrolment) * Informed consent (obtained prior of any study procedures) Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 and \>80 * Serum creatinine level \> 2.5 mg per deciliter * Serum potassium level \> 5.0 mmol per liter * Valvular heart disease amenable to surgical treatment * Congenital heart disease * Unstable angina and/or acute myocardial infarction and/or coronary revascularization procedure within three months before enrolment * Intravenous therapy with inotropic drugs within three months before enrolment * History of resuscitated ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, unless these occurred within 24 hours of an acute myocardial infarction or the subject has an implanted an automatic cardioverter defibrillator * Chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis * Malignant neoplasm or any life threatening non cardiac disease * History of hypersensitivity to study drug * Pregnancy or lactating or childbearing age women who are not protected by an accepted method of contraception * History of drug or alcohol abuse * Legal incapacity and/or other circumstances rending the patient unable to understand the nature, scope and possible consequences of the study. * Evidence of uncooperative attitude * Any condition other than heart failure that does not permit an optimal participation to the trial * Participation to other RCTs during the last 3 months * Treatment with: Lithium salts, Potassium sparing diuretics, oral positive inotropic drugs or any investigational drug