ASCOT compared the effect of atenolol combined with a thiazide versus amlodipine with perindopril in hypertensive patients. It also studied the effect of atorvastatin in those with normal cholesterol. ASCOT concluded that reductions in cardiovascular events with atorvastatin were significant, and that amlodipine-based treatment prevented more cardiovascular events. The latter seemed to be due to better control of central blood pressure. Both statin and amlodipine-based treatments were cost-effective. According to the ASCOT study, it does matter how blood pressure is lowered.