Aliskiren/Amlodipine/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Versus Aliskiren/Amlodipine in US Minority Patients With Stage II Systolic Hypertension

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who are newly diagnosed or have a history of hypertension, who are eligible and able to participate in the study, and who give written informed consent before any assessment is performed. * Men or women 18 years and older of minority background; self-identified. * Patients with stage 2 hypertension defined as MSSBP ≥160 mmHg and \<200 mmHg at Visit 5 (randomization). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with MSDBP ≥110 mmHg and/or MSSBP ≥200 mmHg as measured by office cuff at any visit. * Patients on 4 or more antihypertensive medications. * Patients with uncontrolled hypertension (MSSBP \>180 mmHg) taking more than 1 antihypertensive medication at Visit 1.