The present invention relates to oral controlled-release formulations of 5-(pyridinyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone compounds and their use in the treatment of a subject with heart failure, a stage, class or manifestation of heart failure, or at risk of developing or exhibiting symptoms of heart failure. The formulations of the invention release the compounds in the range of between 0.1 μg/kg body weight/minute and 20 μg/kg body weight/minute.