Valentine's Day symptoms of heartbreak and the physical pain it can cause

11 February 2024 , 15:13

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Many people felt a physical ache highlighting after a breakup (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The 10 symptoms of heartbreak and the physical pain it can cause have been revealed in the run up to Valentine's Day.

Researchers have revealed almost a quarter (23%) of Brits have suffered physical health effects because of a broken heart. Among those quizzed, 43% lost their appetite, whilst 22% felt a physical ache highlighting health and wellbeing after a breakup. Other symptoms of heartbreak included experiencing heart palpitations (17%), chest pain (16%) and problems with the digestive system (13%).

‌Dr Katie Tryon, director of Health and Strategy at Vitality which carried out the study, confirmed it is not just people’s imagination or the random association of heartbreak with physical ailments. Emotional heartache can often manifest into physical symptoms such as chest pain and heart palpitations because of a surge of stress hormones, she said.

The impact to a person's overall wellbeing shows heartbreak can lead to significant impacts on physical health. Dr Tryon said it was vital people take time to be mindful of their wellbeing in the same way as they would in any stressful situation.

A huge 73% are aware link between their mental and physical health and a further 61% reported their physical health took a toll when dealing with a breakup. Examples of this include a lack of motivation for exercise (26%) and turning to fast food or comfort eating (17%).‌ Despite the range of concerning symptoms, only 18% have taken a sick day off to deal with the aftermath of a relationship breakdown. This can be explained as 34% feel particularly uncomfortable discussing their relationship status in the workplace altogether.

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‌Around 39% turned to their closest family and friends for support and 20% distracted themselves with a new hobby. A further 16% tried talking therapy to dissect their feelings with someone who didn’t know their ex-partner. Dr Tryon added: "It’s easy to think of heartbreak as only being an emotional pain, but there is a strong link between mental and physical health. Alongside a demotivation to keep active and eat healthy, emotional stresses affect your levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and serotonin (happy hormone). By staying active, you can boost your dopamine and serotonin levels.

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‌"Ultimately, the breakdown of a relationship is one of the most stressful life events you can experience, and as such you should look after your health in the same way you would any other high-stress situation. You can’t prevent a relationship from ending, but you can prevent it from seriously impacting your overall short and long-term health and wellbeing by taking care of your needs.”

Most common physical effects of heartbreak:

1. Loss of appetite (43%)
2. Disrupted sleep routine causing tiredness/exhaustion (40%)
3. Restlessness (30%)
4. Physical aches (22%)
5. Nausea (21%)
6. Heart palpitations (17%)
7. Chest pain (16%)
8. Problems with digestive system (13%)
9. Trouble breathing (13%)
10. Dizziness (11%)

Graeme Murray