**2. Markers of inflammation**

Chronic inflammation is one of the well-known non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients. Chronic kidney disease results in a chronic, low-grade inflammatory process that becomes evident even in the early stages of the disease. After the start of dialysis treatment, various factors associated with the dialysis procedure may also contribute to a stronger, more active inflammatory response. All available evidence suggests that chronic inflammation in hemodialysis patients may contribute significantly to the development and progression of CV disease (Filiopoulos&Vlassopoulos, 2009; Stenvinkel, 2006; Zimmermann et al., 1999).

Although few studies are available concerning the relationship between inflammatory status and CV risk in hemodialysis patients without co-morbid diseases, the studies that do exist in this area also support the role of inflammation.
