It’s official now. According to scientists, love really hurts.

Researchers at Imperial College London have revealed that the range of physical effects caused by the ups and downs of romance can cause serious long-term damage to the human body.

"Our bodies are constantly going through a roller coaster of emotions and love has some very obvious physical effects," said Prof. Martin Cowie of Imperial College.

"Pupils dilate, palms become sweaty and the heart rate increases. Large amounts of adrenaline are running through our system which does cause problems," he added.

He said that stress-related illnesses at work arise from similar physical conditions. Prof. Cowie, who has been studying the effect of emotions on humans, said there is evidence that bereavement can increase the risk of heart problems and death.

He said that inability to acknowledge the effects of emotion on health makes things worse.