A Clinical Study to Compare an Aliskiren Based Hypertensive Regimen With a Ramipril Based One Followed by a Randomized Withdrawal.

A 26 Week, Double-blind, Randomized, Multicenter, Parallel Group, Active-controlled Study Comparing Aliskiren to Ramipril With Optional Addition of Hydrochlorothiazide, Followed by a 4 Week Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Withdrawal in Patients With Essential Hypertension

To compare the aliskiren regimen versus the ramipril regimen on reduction in Blood Pressure.

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients with essential hypertension
• Patients who are eligible and able to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Severe hypertension
• History or evidence of a secondary form of hypertension
• History of Hypertensive encephalopathy or cerebrovascular accident. Other protocol-defined inclusion exclusion criteria also apply.