Hierarchical smooth curve fitting revealed an L-shaped relationship between serum albumin levels and stroke risk in women (Fig. 3A), a weakened relationship in participants over 60 years (Fig. 3B), a roughly negative relationship independent of hypertension and diabetes status (Fig. 4A and B), and a roughly negative relationship independent of smoking and alcohol use status (Fig. 5A and B). This evidence concerns the gene ALB and Hypertension.