A stroke is as serious as a heart attack. In fact, one way to think of a stroke is a “brain attack,” because it happens most commonly when blood is blocked from the brain, causing brain cells to die. In the United States, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s because when the brain is starved of oxygen and nutrients, stroke survivors might experience complications that include difficulty speaking, challenges with thinking and memory, problems moving, loss of vision and/or hearing, seizures and more.

While all of that is scary, it’s important to know that a stroke is both preventable and treatable; and when you learn how to identify this sudden medical condition, you could save a life. In honor of Stroke Awareness Month in May, here are five things that everyone should know about a stroke, including how to prevent it and what to do if you think a person might be having a stroke. 

There are different types of strokes.

An ischemic stroke, which is the most common kind, occurs when a blood clot, fatty deposits called plaque or other particles stop blood from getting to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain either leaks blood or bursts, and the blood puts too much pressure on the cells in the brain, causing damage. And a transient ischemic stroke (aka a TIA or mini-stroke), is often caused by a clot and doubles as a warning sign of a future stroke. Many people will have TIAs and not know it. (For more on the different types of stroke visit the CDC).

Some people are more likely to experience a stroke than others.

Stroke is the No. 5 leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association, but certain groups are more at risk. Black people, for example, are nearly twice as likely to have a stroke as white people, and they’re also more likely to die because of it, according to the CDC. People who are Hispanic, American Indian and Native Alaskan may also face a higher risk than people who are white or Asian.

You can have a stroke at any age, but older age does increase your risk: “The chance of having a stroke about doubles every 10 years after age 55,” says the CDC. In addition, women are more likely than men to have a stroke; and people living with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and/or those who have a personal or family history of having a stroke may also face increased risks.

Still, you can control many of your risk factors.

Certain lifestyle choices can put you more at risk for stroke, including smoking, excessive drinking and a poor diet, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. If you quit smoking, moderate your alcohol consumption, exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet, you could lower your risk for a stroke. By following your doctors’ orders and controlling any existing medical conditions, you could also lower your risk.

You can learn to act F.A.S.T.  

F.A.S.T. is the acronym to remember to identify a stroke. That stands for:

F = Face Drooping — Is a person’s face numb, drooping or uneven?
A = Arm Weakness – Can the person raise both arms? Is one weak, numb or drifting downward?
S = Speech Difficulty – Is the person speaking with slurred speech?
T = Time to call 911. This is the most important thing to remember. Every minute counts during a stroke.

In addition, the American Stroke Association says to look out for any sudden changes, such as numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, in particular when it’s just on one side of the body; confusion and difficulty speaking or understanding; sight problems; challenges with walking, including loss of balance and coordination or dizziness; and a severe headache.  If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911. 

Do not drive yourself or another person to the hospital.

Again, call 911 immediately. Paramedics will be able to provide immediate—and critical—medical attention and they’ll be able to usher the person to and through the hospital more quickly.

Learning about a stroke is the first step. Now, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have about your own risk factors and then do whatever you can to protect your brain. It needs you!