This is a double-blind study to evaluate the reduction in systolic blood pressure using a therapy initiated with valsartan 160 mg or valsartan + hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 160/12.5 mg compared to a more conventional approach (therapy initiated with low-dose valsartan 80 mg).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female age 18 or older
• Diagnosed as having hypertension (mean seated systolic blood pressure ≥ 150 mm Hg but < 180 mm Hg and mean seated diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg and <110 mm Hg)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe hypertension: Systolic ≥ 180 mm Hg or Diastolic ≥ 110 mm Hg
• History of secondary hypertension (including primary aldosteronism, renovascular hypertension, pheochromocytoma etc.)
• History of myocardial infarction, stroke [e.g. cerebrovascular accident (CVA), thrombotic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA)], or onset of heart failure within the last 6 months.

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.