Assess the long-term safety and tolerability of aliskiren, with the optional addition of HCTZ, in patients with essential hypertension, to ensure long term blood pressure control and protect against end organ damage.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Patients with essential hypertension.
2. Patients who are eligible and able to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Severe hypertension.
2. History or evidence of a secondary form of hypertension.
3. History of hypertensive encephalopathy or cerebrovascular accident. Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.