The invention provides methods of treating non-ischemic heart failure through the intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells. The methods can be practiced with ischemic tolerant mesenchymal stem cells and chronic ischemic tolerant mesenchymal stem cells. The methods can improve cardiac function in treated patients, including improvements in six-minute walk performance. The methods provide a therapeutic outcome without intracardial injection of cell therapy thereby avoiding further injury to an already compromised heart.
