Aliskiren/Amlodipine/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Versus Aliskiren/Amlodipine in US Minority Patients With Stage II Systolic Hypertension

An 8-week Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Active Controlled, Parallel Group, Forced Titration Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren/Amlodipine/HCTZ Compared to Aliskiren/Amlodipine in US Minority Patients With Stage 2 Hypertension

The purpose of the study is to compare the combination of aliskiren, amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) versus the combination of aliskiren and amlodipine as therapy in minority Stage 2 hypertensive patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are newly diagnosed or have a history of hypertension, who are eligible and able to participate in the study, and who give written informed consent before any assessment is performed.
• Men or women 18 years and older of minority background; self-identified.
• Patients with stage 2 hypertension defined as MSSBP ≥160 mmHg and <200 mmHg at Visit 5 (randomization).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with MSDBP ≥110 mmHg and/or MSSBP ≥200 mmHg as measured by office cuff at any visit.
• Patients on 4 or more antihypertensive medications.
• Patients with uncontrolled hypertension (MSSBP >180 mmHg) taking more than 1 antihypertensive medication at Visit 1.