8-week Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Various Combinations of Valsartan, HCTZ, and Amlodipine in Patients With Moderate to Severe Hypertension

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of moderate to severe hypertension (MSDBP ≥ 100 mmHg and \< 120 mmHg, MSSBP ≥ 145 mmHg and \< 200 mmHg). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients on two or more antihypertensive drugs with MSSBP ≥ 180 mmHg and/or MSDBP ≥ 110 mmHg at Visit 1. * Patients on three or more antihypertensive drugs with MSDBP ≥ 90 mmHg and \< 110 mmHg, and/or MSSBP ≥ 140 mmHg and \< 180 mmHg at Visit 1. * Patients on four or more antihypertensive drugs at Visit 1. * Arm circumference \> 42 cm for patients participating in ABPM. Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.