Objective To compare the difference of the left ventricular structure and diastolic func-tion in normotensive offspring with or without a family history of hypertension. Methods One hundred nor-motensive offspring were assessed. Fifty had a family history of hypertension (experimental group) and 50 had no family hi.history of hypertension (control group). By eehocardiography and Doppler tissue imaging, the following parameters of left ventricular structure and diastolic function were examined: interventricular septal thickness (IVST), left ventrieular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), left ventricular internal dimension (LVIDed), left ventrieular mass index(LVMI) and E/A. Results Compared with control group, experimen-tal group had higher IVST, LVPWT and LVMI, lower peak velocity of the early diastolic wave (e) of mitral annulus, and lower e/a (P<0.05). No differences in LVIDed, left atrial diameter (LA),aortic dimension(AOD), E,A and E/A were found between the two groups. Conclusion The results indicate that genetic factor of parental hypertension influence left ventrieular structure and diastolic function in normotensive offspring, which may precede the elevation of blood pressure.