Inclusion Criteria:  Age 18-65 years Either gender First myocardial infarction in the preceding 3 to 7 days Post-acute myocardial infarction left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% Negative pregnancy test (for women of reproductive age) Written informed consent  Exclusion Criteria:  A history of any prior cardiac conditions (valvular, ischemic, or congenital disorders) Regional wall motion abnormalities outside the region of the infarction LV dysfunction due to other etiologies like non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, anthracycline use, or ethanol abuse (> 6 oz./day regularly) Poor echocardiography window Active infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease