An emotional shock or intense heartbreak generates very real physical stress that can disrupt the body and, in rare cases, trigger a temporary cardiac reaction known as 'broken heart syndrome' (Takotsubo), which requires attentive monitoring of one's symptoms.

noli's read

The idea that heartbreak physically hurts is scientifically accurate: a brain imaging study by Kross and his team published in PNAS (observational evidence) revealed that social rejection stimulates the same areas of the brain as physical pain. The cascade of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline also directly explains the chest tension or digestive issues mentioned. Regarding Takotsubo syndrome, a large registry study published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Templin and his colleagues (observational evidence) confirms that acute emotional stress can temporarily weaken the heart muscle. This research also validates that this phenomenon affects postmenopausal women in the vast majority of cases. Although the mention of a fatal risk may seem alarming, it remains scientifically possible in rare cases, even though a full recovery is fortunately the general rule.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.