Aliskiren Study of Safety and Efficacy in Senior Hypertensives

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients ≥ 65 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of essential hypertension at Visit 1. * Mean sitting SBP (MSSBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and \< 180 mmHg at Visit 2/Visit 201 and Visit 3. * Absolute MSSBP difference ≤ 20 mmHg between Visit 3 and the Visit immediately prior Exclusion Criteria: * History of hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or to drugs of similar chemical classes. * Severe hypertension (MSSBP ≥ 180 mmHg or MSDBP ≥ 110 mmHg) at Visit 1, Visit 2, Visit 201 or Visit 3 or during patient self measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring in the pre-randomization period confirmed by office measurement. * Current treatment with any blocker of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) (aliskiren, ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker or an aldosterone antagonist) and unable to discontinue this therapy. * Concurrent use of any anti-hypertensive medications except a stable dose of 3 months prior to Visit 1 of alpha adrenergic blockers for benign prostatic hypertrophy (e.g., tamsulosin \[Flomax®\] for benign prostatic hypertrophy), beta blockers for angina, or beta blocker ophthalmic preparations. * Contraindications to aliskiren, ramipril, amlodipine, or hydrochlorothiazide. Other protocol defined inclusion/exclusion criteria apply