Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a warning sign that a stroke may soon follow. Any symptoms of a TIA need to be treated as an emergency.

• After a TIA, 9 to 17 out of 100 people will have a stroke in less than 90 days.^{Reference 1} The risk of stroke is highest in the first 30 days after a TIA.
• A TIA happens before about 15 out of 100 strokes.^{Reference 1}

A TIA also may signal an increased risk for a heart attack. Atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries, affects blood vessels throughout the body, including arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain. Atherosclerosis that affects the blood vessels in the heart (coronary arteries) may cause chest pain or a heart attack.

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