The Multicentre Isradipine/Diuretic Atherosclerosis Study (MIDAS) was the first clinical trial designed to test the hypothesis that antihypertensives may have a favourable effect on the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with hypertension. In April, we reported the results as presented at the 15th Scientific Meeting of the International Society for Hypertension [Melbourne, Australia; March 1994]*. However, there appears to be more than one way in which the data can be interpreted.