Polymorphisms in the AGT gene have been associated with essential hypertension, however, a subsequent study failed to demonstrate any influence of these polymorphisms on outcome in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. A polymorphism in the ACE gene involving a 287-base pair insertion (I) or deletion (D) has been evaluated in several studies. The DD genotype is associated with higher serum levels of ACE and angiotensin II, increased incidence of sudden death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, increased mortality in patients with idiopathic heart failure, and decreased exercise tolerance in patients with congestive heart failure. Meanwhile, a genetic variant in the Angiotensin II type 2-receptor (AT2-R) has been shown to influence left ventricular structure and function in young men with hypertension.