I wasn't able to recreate this. The enemies do have differing attack values, but the moment damage is taken that's more than the player's current health, damage taken is reduced to current health.
A death animation or respawn button would have been a nice way to break up losing lives, I believe this is what contributed to it feeling like you should have had more health than you did. Some enemy attacks are just kinda crazy with their damage compared to others. If you do know a way to recreate it, definitely let me know