Knowing the signs for stroke and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of deaths in the U.S. Dallas County Public Health Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says the acronym F.A.S.T. can make it easier to remember what stroke symptoms are, “Quite often a stroke is something that has pretty visible signs that you can sense that something is wrong with this individual. The acronym is “F” is face, “A” is arms, “S” is speech, and “T” is time. Pay attention to things like their face, if one side of their face seems to be drooping, if they have a sudden headache, if they’re slurring their speech, just a few simple things like that.”

Cochran says rapid action can make a huge difference. Stroke survivors who receive medical treatment within three hours of their first symptoms often have fewer disabilities three months after a stroke compared to those who received delayed care. Cochran adds it’s important to notify the 9-1-1 dispatcher precisely what time you noticed the first symptoms. 

Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes have a higher risk of stroke. Positive living habits such as a healthy diet, exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and cutting out smoking can lend a helping hand to lower the risk for stroke.