- immediate need for hospitalization on screening - systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmhg - self-reported presence of chronic kidney disease or requiring dialysis - self-reported history of liver failure or untreated hepatitis b or c - pregnancy or breast feeding - allergy to the study medication - current use of angiotensin receptor blocker (arb) or angiotensin converting enzyme (ace) inhibitor medications. other blood pressure medications will be permitted in the systolic bp is higher than 90 mmhg - prior reaction or intolerance to arb or ace inhibitor - use of aliskiren in patients with diabetes - current use of and on-going need for lithium, digoxin, potassium sparing diuretics such as spironolactone - current use of and need for potassium supplements - current or past participation in a research study within 12 weeks prior to the screening visit unless cleared by study team - inability to drive safely for study visits - subjects, who, in the opinion of the investigator, are unable to comply with the protocol evaluation, or for whom study participation may not be advisable

- immediate need for hospitalization on screening - systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmhg - self-reported presence of chronic kidney disease or requiring dialysis - self-reported history of liver failure or untreated hepatitis b or c - pregnancy or breast feeding - allergy to the study medication - current use of angiotensin receptor blocker (arb) or angiotensin converting enzyme (ace) inhibitor medications. other blood pressure medications will be permitted in the systolic bp is higher than 90 mmhg - prior reaction or intolerance to arb or ace inhibitor - use of aliskiren in patients with diabetes - current use of and on-going need for lithium, digoxin, potassium sparing diuretics such as spironolactone - current use of and need for potassium supplements - current or past participation in a research study within 12 weeks prior to the screening visit unless cleared by study team - inability to drive safely for study visits - subjects, who, in the opinion of the investigator, are unable to comply with the protocol evaluation, or for whom study participation may not be advisable