A study comparing the antihypertensives Valsartan and Lisinporil when doses are in the morning and comparing a morning dose of Valsartan with an evening dose.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Hypertension defined by a MSSBP >=150 mmHg (untreated patients) or patients on current anti-hypertensive treatment who remain uncontrolled (i.e. MSSBP >140 mmHg)

• Randomisation mean 24h blood pressure above 130/80 mmHg
• In addition the patients must fulfill, at least, one of the following criteria:

Controlled type II Diabetes mellitus Hypercholesteremia, currently treated with lipid-lowering drugs Metabolic syndrome MI, CABG or PTCA more than one year ago Stroke or transient ischemic cerebral attack more than one year ago Documented history of peripheral vascular disease, increased IMT, or carotid plaques Documented history of LVH Elderly >65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• - MSSBP >=180 mmHg and/or MSDBP >= 110 mmHg at any time from Visit 1 to Visit 3
• Inability to discontinue all prior anti-hypertensive medications safely for a period of three weeks
• Mandatory indication for any concomitant medication for coronary artery disease or any other disease that is not allowed during this study.

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.