Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Valsartan Plus Amlodipine in Hypertensive Patients Not Adequately Responding to the Combination Therapy With Ramipril Plus Felodipine

An Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a 5 Week Therapy With the Combination of Valsartan 160 mg Plus Amlodipine 10 mg in Hypertensive Patients Not Adequately Responding to a 5 Week Therapy With Ramipril 5 mg and Felodipine 5 mg

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of valsartan plus amlodipine in hypertensive patients not responding to treatment with ACE inhibitor plus calcium channel blocker

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients (18 years or older)
• Females must be either post-menopausal for one year, surgically sterile or using effective contraceptive methods (e.g. barrier method with spermicide, intra-uterine device, hormonal contraceptives).
• Patients with moderate essential hypertension (WHO II)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe hypertension
• Pregnant or nursing women
• Treated hypertensive patients with controlled hypertension under current therapy (MSDBP < 90 mmHg and MSSBP < 140 mmHg)
• A history of cardiovascular disease, including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and heart failure NYHA II - IV
• Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply