Collected data for both trials were analyzed and compared to evaluate effects of treatment on carotid and coronary artery atherosclerotic lesions. Coronary angiograms and carotid ultrasound imaging were performed under identical conditions in both trials. Five major databases were available for analysis, including: the coronary artery database (QCA processed); the carotid artery database (ultrasound evaluation); the coronary artery database (panel evaluation); the nutrient content database, and the clinical and biochemical database. Major comparisons included measurements of atherosclerotic lesions in both arteries, the effects of lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels on vascular lesions, and the effect of nutrient intake (in particular total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol) on rates of measured lesion change. Additional associations were sought between preintrusive carotid lesions and intrusive coronary lesions between males and females, smokers and nonsmokers, differences in age, and differential drug effect on HDL-cholesterol.