The Prospective Randomized Evaluation of the Vascular Effects of Norvase (amlodipine) Trial (PREVENT) was designed specifically to assess if amlodipine can be shown to inhibit angiographic progression of lesions 30% or less diameter stenosis. A carotid ultrasound substudy was also undertaken. The antiatherosclerotic effects were discordant in that minor coronary lesions were not affected, whereas carotid intima-media thickness showed significantly less progression in the amlodipine-treated patients. Moreover, significant cardiac events, particularly admissions to hospital for unstable angina and intervention, were significantly reduced in the amlodipine-treated patients. This brief report provides an overview and assessment of the implications of these findings.