Abstract: Vascular calcification is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and is prevalent among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Over 50% of MHD patients die of cardiovascular disease, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease is 20 to 30 times in MHD patients than in general population of the same age. Consequently, prevention of vascular calcification may significantly decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease and its mortality rate in MHD patients. Ectopic deposition of calcium and phosphate in blood vessels is the main type of vascular calcification in MHD patients. Treatment of the vascular calcification includes the traditional therapies such as regulation of calcium phosphate metabolism, adequate dialysis, vitamin D preparations, and phosphate binders not containing calcium. Recently, the new phosphate binder preparations, calcium-sensing receptor agonist, and dialysate containing lower calcium concentration effectively stabilize serum calcium and phosphorus levels, maintain normal parathyroid function, and improve the prevention and treatment of vascular calcification in MHD patients.

Key words: vascular calcification, prevention, hemodialysis