This study will evaluate the efficacy of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide versus amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide in patients with Stage 2 hypertension using 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients 18 years of age or older
• Diagnosed of having hypertension, defined as a mean seated systolic BP ≥160 mmHg (Stage 2 hypertension)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Symptomatic or severe hypertension
• Patients treated with more than 2 antihypertensive medications
• Clinically known or suspected history of secondary hypertension
• Myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, cardiovascular revascularization/angioplasty in last 6 months
• Diagnosis of heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV)
• Chronic renal or severe hepatic disease