The alleles and genotypes of the T174M polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene were PCR-analyzed in Russians and Tatars from Bashkortostan. The genotype frequency distribution observed in either ethnic group did not differ from that reported for other populations. The T174M polymorphism was tested for association with essential hypertension (EH). Genotypes TT, TM, and MM were found respectively in 82.56, 13.95, and 3.49% normotensive Russians and in 83.81, 16.19, and 0% normotensive Tatars. The frequency of genotype TM in patients with EH onset beyond 45 years of age was significantly higher than in controls of the same age without signs of cardiovascular disorders (51.72 vs. 11.11% in Russians and 45.45 vs. 16% in Tatars). Patients with EH onset under 45 did not differ in genotype frequency distribution from normotensive subjects of the same age. Genotype TM was associated with higher risk of EH in people aged beyond 45.