Pregnancy–induced hypertension (PIH) is a heterogeneous disorder which complicates 5–7% of all pregnancies and remains a leading cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Severe preeclampsia is the most distinctive and life–threatening form; a multi–system disorder more common in first pregnancies, it is characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. In a series of Caucasian women with pregnancy–induced hypertension, we have observed a significant association of preeclampsia with a molecular variant of angiotensinogen, T235, found previously to be associated with essential hypertension. This finding is corroborated in a sample ascertained in Japan. Together, these observations support a new pathophysiological interpretation of preeclampsia and of its relation to some forms of essential hypertension.