A broken heart isn’t as simple as feeling sad after the end of a relationship — it’s a real, physical condition that can take a serious toll on the body.
And for women, it can be even more dangerous. While heartbreak affects everyone, studies show that women are more likely to experience severe physical symptoms, including a condition known as broken heart syndrome. Whether it’s triggered by grief, stress, or emotional trauma, the effects go beyond just feeling down. Here’s why heartbreak hits women harder and why it can be a genuine health risk.
1. Women are more likely to experience broken heart syndrome.
There’s an actual medical condition called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, better known as broken heart syndrome. It happens when extreme stress causes the heart to weaken and temporarily fail. Women, especially those over 50, are much more likely to develop this condition than men. Per Johns Hopkins University, it’s unclear exactly why that’s the case, but it could be because of the sudden drop in estrogen levels, which makes the heart less protected than before. It’s often triggered by sudden emotional distress, like a breakup, the death of a loved one, or even a major shock.
2. The physical effects can feel like a heart attack.
When broken heart syndrome happens, it mimics a heart attack. Women may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or even fainting. In some cases, it can be so severe that hospital treatment is needed. What makes it different from a heart attack is that there’s no blockage in the arteries — just extreme stress overwhelming the heart. However, that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. If untreated, it can cause long-term damage.
3. Women’s hearts respond differently to stress.
Women’s bodies react to stress in a way that makes them more vulnerable to heart-related issues. When under emotional distress, women’s arteries constrict more than men’s, which increases blood pressure and puts more strain on the heart. That means that emotional pain doesn’t just affect mood — it has a direct impact on heart health. Over time, repeated stress responses can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Hormones play a big role in how heartbreak affects women.
Oestrogen, which helps protect the heart, starts to decrease as women get older. This is one reason why postmenopausal women are more likely to develop heart problems after experiencing extreme emotional distress. When combined with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, a sudden emotional shock can have a much greater impact on women’s heart function compared to men’s.
5. Women often internalise emotional pain.
Source: Unsplash While men may express heartbreak in more outward ways, like anger or reckless behaviour, women are more likely to internalise their pain. This means they might keep their stress bottled up, which can take a bigger toll on their body. Emotional suppression has been linked to higher blood pressure, increased inflammation, and a higher risk of anxiety and depression, all of which can contribute to heart problems, as research published in the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session revealed.
6. The risk of depression and anxiety increases.
Heartbreak can trigger depression and anxiety, both of which are major risk factors for heart disease. Women are already more likely to experience anxiety and depression than men, and heartbreak only amplifies the risk. Chronic stress from emotional pain can lead to lifestyle changes like poor sleep, overeating, or avoiding exercise, all of which further increase the risk of heart issues.
7. Women’s immune systems are affected more by emotional distress.
Heartbreak isn’t just hard on emotions — it weakens the immune system too. Studies have shown that severe emotional distress lowers immunity, making women more susceptible to illnesses. Because women’s immune systems tend to react more strongly to emotional pain, they often experience more inflammation, which is linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
8. Sleep patterns are often disrupted.
Heartbreak can seriously mess with sleep, and women tend to struggle more with insomnia and sleep disturbances than men. A lack of quality sleep increases stress hormones, raises blood pressure, and weakens heart health. Even a few nights of poor sleep can put strain on the heart, so long-term sleep issues after heartbreak can have major consequences for overall health.
9. Emotional stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
When dealing with heartbreak, some women turn to unhealthy coping strategies like emotional eating, smoking, or excessive drinking. While these might provide temporary comfort, they put even more strain on the heart. Since women’s bodies metabolise substances differently from men’s, things like alcohol and processed foods can have a bigger impact on their long-term health when used as emotional crutches.
10. Loneliness increases the risk of heart disease.
Women are more likely than men to experience deep emotional loneliness after heartbreak, especially if the relationship was a long-term one — and loneliness itself is a huge health risk. Studies have shown that social isolation increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and even premature death. This is why staying connected with friends and family after a breakup or loss is so important.
11. Women are more likely to experience long-term emotional stress.
While men tend to compartmentalise heartbreak and move on more quickly, women often experience lingering emotional stress. That ongoing stress response keeps cortisol levels high, which directly impacts heart health. Chronic stress increases the risk of high blood pressure, inflammation, and even changes in heart rhythm, making emotional recovery a crucial part of protecting physical health.
12. Emotional trauma can trigger actual physical pain.
Broken heart syndrome isn’t just a metaphor—many women experience real, physical pain from emotional distress. It’s called stress-induced cardiomyopathy, and it can feel just as painful as a heart attack. Sharp chest pain, breathlessness, and dizziness are common symptoms. While it usually resolves over time, repeated stress episodes can lead to lasting damage if not properly managed.
13. Women often put other people first, even when they’re suffering.
Many women have a habit of prioritising other people’s needs over their own, even when they’re struggling emotionally. Instead of focusing on their own healing, they throw themselves into work, family, or other responsibilities. That constant self-sacrifice means they might not take the time to process their emotions properly, which can lead to prolonged stress, fatigue, and a weakened heart as time goes on.
14. The good news is that healing is possible.
While heartbreak can take a serious toll, the heart is resilient. Women who actively focus on self-care, emotional healing, and healthy coping mechanisms can recover both emotionally and physically. Getting support, staying active, maintaining good nutrition, and finding ways to reduce stress can all help repair the damage. The key is recognising that heartbreak isn’t just emotional—it’s a whole-body experience that deserves care and attention.
