 The diagnosis of hypertension was made when the mean values of the last two measurements were: systolic pressure 140 mm Hg andor diastolic pressure 90 mm Hg with or without medication in the initial visit Visit 0. Patients who were receiving antihypertensive medication at the initial visit and had systolic pressure 140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure 90 mm Hg were re-evaluated 8 weeks after discontinuation of their medication and introduction of placebo, and they were included in the study when the mean values were systolic pressure 140 mm Hg andor diastolic pressure 90 mm Hg. 