the present invention relates to a method for identifying a subject at risk of developing heart failure , comprising : determining the level of one or more biological markers in a biological sample of the subject ; comparing the level of the biological marker to a standard level of the same biological marker ; and determining whether the level of the marker is indicative of a risk for developing heart failure , wherein the biological marker is krüppel - like factor 15 and / or lysosomal integral membrane protein - 2 and / or fragments and / or variants thereof , and / or wherein the biological marker is a gene coding for klf 15 and / or limp - 2 , and / or fragments and / or variants thereof . the invention further relates to use of the klf15 and / or limp - 2 protein , and / or the gene coding for klf15 and / or limp2 , and / or fragments , and / or variants of the genes and / or proteins , for the preparation of a medicament for a prophylactic and / or a therapeutic medicament for prevention and / or treatment of heart failure .