What makes the heart actually ache or sting during heartbreak?

Question

The physical reason for it.

Answer 1

Does it really matter?

Answer 2

idk, sorry

Answer 3

It could be that since the heart is a muscle, the muscle goes into contraction, just like  your stomach tightens up, too.  

However, I believe there is a non-physical reason that causes physical pain.  The actual heart is located inside the heart Chakra.  When there is a close relationship with someone, your "heart strings" are tied with theirs.  When the relationship "breaks", the "heart strings" do to, causing a sensation of physical pain.  The same thing happens to mothers when their children are hundreds of miles away and something dangerous happens to them.  Sometimes the pain is felt in the stomach region, sometimes the heart, sometimes the brain.

Answer 4

i think that it's because we associate the heart with romance and love. the ancient egyptians believed that the brian was where love was processed and formed. maybe during their 'heartbreaks' their heads hurt. it could be just a matter of perception.

Also, our heart is the core of our bodies. when we are emotionally linked to someone, i'm sure a tiny bit of our core is betrayed, shrunken maybe. that could be a reason.

good question, by the way.

Answer 5

Well, from my rudimental psychological and pre-medical  understanding, whenever something bad occurs (e.g., breakup, friend's death) you brain releases a biochemical which targets right up to your heart. This chemical is released in response to emotional pain. The chemical itself is known to cause stress on the hearts muscles.

From a medical perspective, this phenomenon is known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or simply stress-induced cardiomyopathy. The muscle of the heart temporarily becomes weaken in this phase, which can lead to a sudden onset of congestive heart failure. Main causation is due to high regulatory levels of catecholamines, usually adrenaline and epinephrine.  

Answer 6

Although the heart obviously is not harmed when it is "broken," a traumatizing incident triggers the brain to release chemicals that weaken heart tissue.

This is called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or appropiately nicknamed "Broken Heart Syndrome."  Strong symptoms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy could actually indicate a heart attack, so I suppose it is plausible (though HIGHLY unlikely) that one could die of a broken heart.

Answer 7

I feel sorry for your heartbreak, but I like the way you think...!!

Answer 8

I'll be watching the answers to this question as that is something I would like to know also.  

Answer 9

i don't know, but great question, I'm curious of that too

Answer 10

I didn't think it did, and i've been thru a lot off heartbreak.  

Answer 11

The heart pumps blood, what do you feel when your with the one you love? Your heart pumps faster and feels healthier then ever, the seccond that you get crushed is the seccond your heart stops, you feel that pain, your heart is straining and trying to pump through the blood that just stoped in its tracks,and you feel completely useless.

Aint love grand :)

Answer 12

In in the spring of 1863, European settlers discovered the wombat off the coast of the Americas. They adorded the furry animals. Fall came and the wombats were shot for their pelts!

Answer 13

It is the center of our being it is how GOD made us.