Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability.

But most people still ignore warning signs that one could be on its way. A new survey from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) found that 1 in 3 American adults experienced a symptom consistent with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which can warn of stroke. But just 3 percent called 911.

A stroke is caused by a blockage in the brain’s blood flow. The difference between a TIA and a stroke is that TIA symptoms last from a few minutes up to 24 hours, but then disappear.

However, a TIA heralds about 15 percent of strokes. People who have suffered a TIA are significantly more likely to have a stroke within 90 days.

Researchers surveyed 2,040 adults nationwide and found:

• Thirty-five percent of respondents experienced at least one warning sign, but were more likely to wait, rest, or take medicine than call 911.

• Fifty-five percent of respondents said they would call 911 first if they suspected they or someone else was experiencing symptoms of a TIA, but only 3 percent of people who reported having experienced a TIA-like symptom did.

• Seventy-seven percent said they had never heard of a TIA.

To easily remember the most common stroke (or TIA) signs and what to do, the ASA recommends learning the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for:

• Face drooping

• Arm Weakness

• Speech Difficulty

• Time to call 911