The aim of the study is to quantify, in a randomized opened-labeled controlled trial the effect of sevelamer hydrochloride on the evolution of arterial stiffness parameters (pulse wave velocity and the augmentation index) in chronic haemodialysis patients and to correlate these parameters with arterial calcification assessed by a previous described radiological score of arterial calcification and echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular hypertrophy, LV dilatation, systolic and diastolic dysfunction) 240 chronic clinical stable (young-to-medium-aged)haemodialysis patients will be included. Follow-up: 12 month After screening, the patients will enter a washout period for all currently used phosphate binders for 2 weeks. All patients with hyperphosphatemia (>1.8 mmol/l) during the wash-out period eligible for randomization into the treatment phase.