The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of supportive measures on the drug adherence of patients with essential hypertension

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients >= 18 years
• 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 mild essential hypertension: Systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and < 170 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg and < 105 mmHg"

Exclusion Criteria:

• Moderate and severe hypertension
• Pregnant or nursing women
• 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