FOCUS (Nifedipine GITS's Effect on Central Pressure Assessed by Applanation Tonometry)

A Prospective, Open-label, Active-controlled, Randomized Study Comparing Nifedipine GITS Versus Valsartan Versus a Combination of Both on Central Blood Pressure in Inadequately Controlled Essential Hypertension.

To determine whether the combination of nifedipine GITS and valsartan is more effective in reducing central blood pressure than nifedipine GITS or valsartan alone, and to determine whether nifedipine GITS is comparable to valsartan

Inclusion Criteria:

• Untreated grade 2 or grade 3 hypertension defined by mean diastolic blood pressure (BP) >/= 100 and/or mean systolic BP >/= 160mmHg without anti-hypertensive treatment or Treated grade 2 hypertension defined by mean diastolic BP >/= 100 and/or mean systolic BP >/=160mmHg with current diuretics and/or beta-blockers use for >/= 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary form of hypertension
• Mean systolic BP >/= 200mmHg and or mean diastolic BP >/= 120mmHg
• Treated with other antihypertensive medication except diuretics or beta-blockers
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Known cardiovascular disease including history of angina pectoris, heart failure, history of myocardial infarction or revascularization procedure, or cerebrovascular disease (including stroke and transient ischaemic attack) within the previous 12 months
• Renal insufficiency defined as a serum creatinine: >/= 1.7 mg/dl
• Pregnancy or not using contraceptive in childbearing aged women
• Breast feeding women
• Any disease or condition that in the opinion of the investigator may interfere with completion of the study