The combined ST technique in a mouse model of heart failure (transverse aortic constriction) and heart failure caused by myocardial infarction using Htra3-knockout mice confirmed the increased expression of transforming growth factor-β and IGFBP7 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7) in the infarcted region of knockout mice, suggesting that IGFBP7 secreted by failing cardiomyocytes is a valuable biomarker for advanced heart failure in humans. Here, IGFBP7 is linked to heart failure.