The human genome is 99.9% identical to the Paleolithic ancestors, but the changes in modern nutrition, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake have impaired our ability to prevent and to maintain a normal blood pressure during our lifetime and optimally reduce cardiovascular disease related to hypertension. There are many genes that have been identified to cause hypertension. Gene expression means that the gene may respond in a good or bad way depending on the message it receives. That response could be an increase in blood pressure with high dietary sodium intake, for example, or a reduction in blood pressure with an increase in dietary potassium and magnesium. Food communicates with and directs the genes to perform. This performance may good with good nutrition, but it may be bad with bad nutrition. Our modern nutrition is not healthy. These nutritional habits contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The genes interact with nutrition and environment to determine the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.