NULL AND ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESES In order to test the multiple hypotheses (e.g., non-inferiority and superiority of telmisartan compared to ramipril), multiple dosages (i.e., telmisartan 80mg (MICARDIS®) versus ramipril 5mg and ramipril 10mg after 8 and 14 weeks of treatment, respectively), and the two endpoints (i.e., reduction in DBP and SBP during the last 6 hours of the 24-hour dosing interval) as measured by ABPM, a completely hierarchical, closed testing procedure will be used.