Valsartan Intensified Primary Care Reduction of Blood Pressure Study

A Phase IV Clinical Trial of Intensified Blood Pressure Management in Primary Care Using Valsartan Alone and as Combination Anti-Hypertensive Therapy

This study will assess the efficacy of an intensive blood pressure management strategy compared to usual care in a primary care (general practice) setting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• newly diagnosed or currently treated hypertensive patients who have not attained their blood pressure target and require active pharmacological treatment as recommended by the local guidelines as judged by the general practitioner

Exclusion Criteria:

• significantly elevated blood pressure (severe hypertension)
• requiring 3 or more antihypertensive drugs
• severe kidney disease or dialyses
• clinical diagnosis requiring concomitant therapy with antihypertensive treatment that would be outside the therapies allowed under study protocol

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply