Abstract：Erythropoietin was mainly used to remedy anemia. Recent studies have demonstrated that erythropoietin is a broad cytoprotective agent. It has several non- haematopoietical effects including anti-apoptotic effects and pro-angiogenic effects. As a result，erythropoietin has been identified as a possible candidate in the therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases including ischemic heart disease and chronic heart failure，etc. This article dissertates the progression that erythropoietin has been applied in chronic heart failure.

Key Word：Erythropoietin；Heart failure；Apoptosis；Angiogenesis