In a preliminary retrospective investigation, the study directors investigated the effects of the administration of calcium antagonists on mortality. 188 patients with end-stage renal failure and chronic regular haemodialysis were observed for 30 months from July 1998. Parameters such as age, sex, laboratory values, clinical data and dialysis dose were recorded. Up to December 2000 51 patients had died (27%). The investigation showed advanced age and low body-mass index to be causes of increased mortality. In contrast, the availability of calcium channel blockers was favorable. After statistical analysis of the data using a Cox risk-regression model it was found that the patients taking the calcium channel blockers showed a significantly lower mortality (relative risk 0.22 [95% confidence interval 0.17-0.67] p < 0.001). This preliminary investigation thus shows that the use of calcium channel blockers significantly lowers mortality in patients with end-stage dialysis-dependent renal failure who have an increased mortality due to cardiovascular events.