expression, godan verb (-ru)
one's heart stops beating
Literal medical or life-threatening meaning; the heart ceases to beat.
事故で心臓が止まったが、すぐに蘇生した。
His heart stopped in the accident, but he was resuscitated immediately.
expression, godan verb (-ru)
Idiomatic; describes a sudden, intense shock or surprise, as if one's heart stopped. Often used in past tense or as a reaction.
突然の知らせに心臓が止まるかと思った。
I thought my heart would stop at the sudden news.
その値段を見て心臓が止まりそうになった。
My heart nearly stopped when I saw the price.