Benidipine-based Comparison of Angiotensin Receptors, β-blockers, or Thiazide Diuretics in Hypertensive Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * Outpatients who are required a combination therapy with sitting systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. * Outpatients aged over 40 years and less than 85 years (inclusive), regardless of sex. * Previously untreated patients or patients who are on other therapy, which can be converted to 4mg of benidipine. * Patients who can be treated with benidipine, angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and thiazide diuretics. Exclusion Criteria: * Seated systolic blood pressure ≥ 200 mmHg or seated diastolic blood pressure ≥ 120 mmHg. * Secondary hypertension. * Type I diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes on insulin treatment. * History of cerebrovascular disorder, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery within 6 months prior to enrolment in the study. * Heart failure (New York Heart Association \[NYHA\] functional classification II, III or IV). * Chronic atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. * Congenital heart disease or a history of rheumatic heart disease. * Severe peripheral arterial disease (Fontaine Class II, III or IV). * Serious liver dysfunction (AST or ALT ≥100 IU / l). * Serious renal dysfunction (serum creatinine ≥ 2mg/dl). * History of malignancy 5 years prior to study entry. * Pregnancy. * Compliance rate \< 70% assessed by a patient interview. * Known hypersensitivity or contraindication to benidipine, angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and thiazide diuretics. * Other serious illness or significant abnormalities that the investigator judges inappropriate for the study