"Heartbreak" can lead to physical symptoms.

The Los Angeles Times (2/10, Conley, 692K) reported on physician discussion of distressing situations, and their effect on the human body. According to physicians, "heartbreak often causes physical symptoms." The "fight or flight" response people developed "to escape the saber-toothed tiger outside the cave" lingers, causing bodies to "react to physical and emotional threats the way they did during caveman times." In these events, adrenaline and blood pressure rise, breathing rate increases, "muscles contract, and the digestive system slows, causing cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting." University of Michigan professor Ethan Kross explained, "The experience of social rejection may actually have a bodily component to it. It is more than just a metaphorical feeling of pain around a heartbreak." Physicians recommend "socializing and seeking support from family, friends and counselors" to heal faster in such situations.