The Study of Novel Dual Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) Blockade; Valsartan/Aliskiren in African American Patients With Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome

"Patients will start on low dose Ramipril 10 mg or Valturna 150/160 at visit 2, and up-titrate to target dose of Ramipril 20 mg or Valturna 300/320 at visit 3. At visit 5, the addition of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or amlodipine will be allowed to achieve the SBP target of \< 140 mmHg. High dose will then be maintained throughout the remainder of the study. In case of symptoms of low blood pressures, the study medication may be decreased to the low dose.~(However, all non-study medication will be manipulated, initially.)"