Efficacy and Safety of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combination Therapy in Patients With Hypertension

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female 18 years of age and older * Diagnosed as having hypertension (mean seated systolic blood pressure ≥ 150 mm Hg but \< 180 mm Hg and mean seated diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95 mm Hg and \<110 mm Hg Exclusion Criteria: * \- Patients with sever hypertension: Systolic ≥ 180 mm Hg or Diastolic ≥ 110 mm Hg * Diabetes with fasting glucose \> 126 mg/dl or on existing anti-diabetic medication * History of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or myocardial infarction within the last 6 months, or diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.