VALIDATE Valsartan and Supportive Measures - Impact on Drug Adherence of Treated Hypertensive Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female patients \>= 18 years * Females must be either post-menopausal for one year, surgically sterile or using effective contraceptive methods (e.g. barrier method with spermicide, intra-uterine device, hormonal contraceptives). * Patients with mild essential hypertension: Systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and \< 170 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg and \< 105 mmHg" Exclusion Criteria: * Moderate and severe hypertension * Pregnant or nursing women * A history of cardiovascular disease, including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and heart failure NYHA II - IV Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply