TNF and heart failure: Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a typical pro‐inflammatory cytokine that has a pivotal role in the pathological processes of heart failure.2 In 1990, Levine et al demonstrated a close relationship between the circulating levels of TNF‐α and the degree of heart failure.3 Furthermore, multiple studies have revealed that elevated TNF‐α levels are independent mortality predictors for patients with heart failure.4, 5 However, TNF‐α mediated effects are not always detrimental in the heart.