Approximately 795,000 people across the United States have a stroke every year. According to the American Heart Association, it is actually the no. 5 cause of death in the country and kills nearly 130,000 people a year. It's also a leading cause of long-term disability.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is often labeled “ mini-stroke ” or “warning stroke.”

Read: Early Signs Of Heart Conditions: How To Recognize Symptoms Of Cardiac Arrest, Angina, Stroke, And Heart Failure

Think you might be at risk for stroke or mini-stroke? We’ve listed some warning signs to know.

There is an easy way to remember sudden signs of stroke: F.A.S.T. So, what does that mean?

  • Face drooping — if you think someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile. Is their mouth uneven?

  • Arm weakness — ask the person to raise both arms. Does one limb drift downward?

  • Speech difficulty — as known as slurred speech.

  • Time to call 911 — if these symptoms are present at all, even if they go away.

These symptoms are also relevant for risk of TIA, the American Stroke Association reported. Additional sudden signs include:

  • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg — especially on one side of the body

  • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

  • Difficulty walking, dizziness, lack of balance or coordination

  • Severe headache with no known cause

Read: 90% Of Strokes Are Preventable; High Blood Pressure And Lack Of Exercise Rank As Top Risk Factors

If you’ve had a stroke, you’re at risk of having another one, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

“Whenever you have stroke symptoms, dial 9-1-1 immediately and get to the emergency room so you can be evaluated. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away,” Dr. Emil Matarese, director of a primary stroke center at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., told the American Stroke Association.

At the hospital, you're likely to be asked when you first felt even one of the symptoms. It's important to know that, says the American Stroke Association, because taking a clot-busting drug, or thrombolytic, within three hours of the first symptom can reduce the chances that you'll be left with a long-term disability.

See Also:

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