The primary objective of this trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of telmisartan 80 mg during open-label, long-term treatment. An additional objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of concomitant administration of telmisartan 80 mg and HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide) and/or any other therapies commonly used in the treatment of hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have met the inclusion criteria for the preceding clinical trial of telmisartan. All patients must give a separate written informed consent for participation in the open-label follow-up.

  • Mild-to-moderate essential hypertension defined as a mean seated diastolic blood pressure measurement of ≥ 95 mmHg measured by manual cuff sphygmomanometer
  • Mean seated systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, measured my manual cuff
  • A 24-hour mean diastolic blood pressure, measured by ABPM (ambulatory blood pressure measurement), of ≥ 85 mmHg
  • Age 18 or older
  • Patient's written informed consent in accordance with GCP (Good Clinical Practice) and local legislation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a clinically significant change in ECG from baseline that was reported as an adverse event during the preceding clinical trial
• Patients who have developed a medical condition during the preceding clinical trial that, in the investigator's opinion, may be worsened by treatment or may compromise the safety evaluation of telmisartan
• Patients who discontinued the preceding telmisartan clinical trial due to an adverse event
• Any other clinical condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, would not allow safe completion of the protocol and safe administration of telmisartan