In the general population it has been shown that calcium channel blockers are very good vasodilators and antihypertensive drugs. In the general population calcium antagonists of the types long-acting dihydropyridines, verapamil or diltiazem are used preferentially for the treatment of elderly patients or patients with isolated systolic hypertension. However, patients with end-stage renal failure also profit from the administration of calcium channel blockers, as these reduce the blood pressure, reduce the uremia toxin-induced calcinosis of the vessels and produce a reduced influx of calcium into the vessel walls. Calcium channel blockers inhibit macrophage proliferation. Calcium channel blockers can also reduce raised calcium levels in B-lymphocytes of patients with end-stage renal failure.