Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combination in the Treatment of Severe Hypertension

A 6-Week Study to Evaluate the Combination of Valsartan/HCTZ (160/12.5mg With Forced Titration to Maximum Dose of 320/25mg) Compared to Valsartan Monotherapy (160mg With Forced Titration to 320mg) as Initial Therapy in Patients With Severe Hypertension

The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of using valsartan/HCTZ as initial therapy in patients with severe hypertension compared to valsartan alone as initial therapy, and to determine whether a greater proportion of patients achieve blood pressure control with the combination compared to the monotherapy without producing an unacceptable adverse event profile.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed severe hypertension

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to discontinue all prior antihypertensive medications
• Heart failure of any kind
• History of stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm Liver, kidney, or pancreas disease
• Diabetes with poor glucose control
• Allergy to certain medications used to treat high blood pressure

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.