CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -- Strokes are the nation's third leading cause of death but the risk factors and symptoms of a stroke are not the same for men and women. Women who know their risks and what symptoms to look for could save their lives.

Stroke symptoms unique to women include sudden face and limb pain, hiccups, nausea, palpitations, chest pain and shortness of breath.

Neurologist George Levy from Coral Springs Medical Center in Florida said some risk factors for strokes are unique to women, like pregnancy.

"That's because there is a higher plasma volume -- blood volume -- in pregnancy. There's also a higher risk for thrombosis," said Levy.

Doctors think that birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, especially if used after the age of 35, also raise a woman's risk.

According to one study, it is important to keep both cholesterol and blood pressure normal.

Women who have a waist larger than 35.2 inches and a triglyceride level higher than 128 milligrams per liter may have a five-fold increased risk of stroke.

"The focus definitely ought to be on prevention and early treatment," said Levy.

Migraines can also increase the risk because of their effect on the brain.

Migraines can increase a man's risk of stroke, too, but migraines disproportionately affect women. About 18 percent of women suffer from migraines, compared to just 6 percent of men.

For more information about the risks and symptoms of a stroke go to Broward Health.