Inclusion Criteria:

Should fulfill first the eligibility criteria for Active A or Active W study and :

• a) to do not have a systolic blood pressure above 110 mm Hg;
• b) not already receiving an angiotensin receptor blocking agent, unless they are willing and able to be changed to another antihypertensive agent;
• c) no previous intolerence to angiotensin receptor blocking agents;
• d) no proven indication for angiotensin receptor blocking agents, unless an ACE inhibitor can be substituted.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients will be excluded from ACTIVE if any of the following are present:

• a) requirement for clopidogrel (such as recent coronry stent procedure)
• b) requirement for oral anticoagulant (such as prosthetic mechanical heart valve);
• c) prior intolerance to ASA or clopidogrel;
• d) documented peptic ulcer disease within the previous 6 months;
• e) prior intracerebral hemorrhage;
• f) significant thrombocytopenia; (platelet count <50 x 10(9)/L)
• g) psyghosocial reason making study participation impractical;
• h) geographic reason making study participation impractical;
• i) ongoing alcohol abuse;
• j) mitral stenosis,
• k) pregnant or nursing woman or woman of child bearing potential and not on effective birth control for at least one month prior to start of study or not willing to continue on birth control for duration of study;
• l) severe comorbid condition such that the patient is not expected to survive 6 months;
• m) patient currently receiving an investigational pharmacologic agent;
• n) requirement for chronic (> 3 months) non-COX-2 inhibitor NSAID therapy unless willing enrolled in ACTIVE A.