Hello Thank You for contacting HCM. Is there any family history of hypertension or heart attack? It also helps in calculating the chances of such disease in children. Chances of hypertension & stroke increases considerably(almost double) in diabetic hypertensive patients who are also smoker. Smoking increases the risk of atherosclerosis which causes occlusion of an artery anywhere in the body (more specifically of brain or coronary artery) resulting in stroke or heart attack. Chances can be reduced by taking care of modifiable risk factors & trying to lead a healthy life. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. Wishing her good health.