Women more likely to die within a year of experiencing their first stroke compared to men, finds study Strokes and heart attacks are leading causes of death worldwide but their symptoms and risk factors often differ widely among men and women Representational image. Pixabay Strokes and heart attacks are leading causes of death worldwide but their symptoms and risk factors often differ widely among men and women. The American Heart Association says that while both men and women experience some of the same stroke symptoms, others like fainting, agitation, nausea, vomiting, confusion, general weakness and seizures are unique to women.