A survival analysis was applied to 1,453 patients treated between 1972 and 1978 in 33 French dialysis centers and prospectively followed up in the computerized Diaphane Dialysis Registry. 198 deaths (overall mortality = OM) were registered, of which 87 (43%) were secondary to cardiovascular complications (cardiovascular mortality = CVM). Risk factors for OM and CVM (p values 2 ), low cholesterol ( < 4.5 mmol/l) and low mean predialysis blood urea ( < 4.6 mmol/l) were associated with increased OM and CVM, and more especially with high stroke mortality. Results for urea but not for cholesterol remain significant after adjustment for age, sex, weekly dialysis schedule and body mass index. They suggest that, in addition to elevated blood pressure, a poor nutritional state and/or low protein intake may be important factors for explaining the high cardiovascular mortality, particularly for strokes, observed in dialyzed patients.