8-week Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Various Combinations of Valsartan, HCTZ, and Amlodipine in Patients With Moderate to Severe Hypertension

An 8-week, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Valsartan/HCTZ/Amlodipine Compared to Valsartan/HCTZ, Valsartan/Amlodipine, and HCTZ/Amlodipine in Patients With Moderate to Severe Hypertension.

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of the various combinations of valsartan, HCTZ, and amlodipine in patients with moderate to severe hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of moderate to severe hypertension (MSDBP ≥ 100 mmHg and < 120 mmHg, MSSBP ≥ 145 mmHg and < 200 mmHg).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients on two or more antihypertensive drugs with MSSBP ≥ 180 mmHg and/or MSDBP ≥ 110 mmHg at Visit 1.
• Patients on three or more antihypertensive drugs with MSDBP ≥ 90 mmHg and < 110 mmHg, and/or MSSBP ≥ 140 mmHg and < 180 mmHg at Visit 1.
• Patients on four or more antihypertensive drugs at Visit 1.
• Arm circumference > 42 cm for patients participating in ABPM.

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.