Effect of Valsartan on Lipid Subfractions in Hypertensive Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

A 12 Week Treatment, Open-label, Multicenter Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Valsartan 160-320 mg With Regard to Effects on Lipid Subfractions in Hypertensive Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to evaluate potential effects of valsartan on lipid subfractions and other parameters in lipid metabolism in patients with essential hypertension and metabolic syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female outpatients >= 18 years of age at Visit 1
• Hypertension (systolic blood pressure >= 140 mmHg and < 170 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >= 90 mmHg and < 105 mmHg
• Elevated triglycerides
• Metabolic syndrome as defined by Adult Treatment Panel III criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• MSSBP >= 170 mmHg and/or MSDBP >= 105 mmHg at any time between Visit 1 and Visit 2
• Diabetes mellitus
• Patients treated with lipid lowering drugs in the last 6 weeks prior to Visit 1
• A history of cardiovascular disease, including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, heart failure NYHA II - IV Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply