A Study to Evaluate the Combination of Valsartan + Amlodipine in Hypertensive Patients

An Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerability of a 4-week Therapy With the Combination of Valsartan 160mg + Amlodipine 5mg in Hypertensive Patients Not Adequately Responding to 4-week Treatment With Amlo 5mg or Felodipine 5mg in Monotherapy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of valsartan plus amlodipine in hypertensive patients not responding to treatment with amlodipine or felodipine alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female patients (18 years)
2. Patients with moderate essential hypertension (untreated must have MSSBP ≥160 and <180 mmHg at Visit 1, treated must have MSSBP <180 mmHg at Visit 1) (WHO grade II)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe hypertension(MSDBP ≥110 mmHg or MSSBP ≥ 180 mmHg)
2. Pregnant or nursing women
3. Treated hypertensive patients with controlled hypertension under current therapy (diastolic BP < 90 mmHg and systolic BP < 140 mmHg)
4. 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 inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.