To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of telmisartan, given once a day to patients with mild to moderate hypertension, as well as to assess the 24-hour blood pressure profile with ABPM

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with blood pressure levels of 140/90 mm Hg or higher (confirmed on 2 consecutive visits), who were 18 years old and older, regardless of sex

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suspected or known diagnosis of arterial hypertension with a secondary cause
• Women who were not using an effective method of contraception, or who were pregnant, or breast-feeding
• Systolic blood pressure > 200 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure > 115 mm Hg
• Laboratory test values two fold above the upper normal limit
• Previous intolerance to angiotensin conversion enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II blocker (AIIAR)
• New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure
• History of stroke in the 6 months prior to entry into the study
• Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, defined as fasting glucose levels > 140 mg/dL on 3 consecutive assessments
• Patients who were included in another investigational drug study in the past 30 days