Ever heard the phrase “dying of laughter”?

Turns out, it’s not just a figure of speech.

While incredibly rare, people have actually passed away from a severe laughing fit. But here’s the grim little twist it wasn’t the joy that got them. The culprit was the extreme physical stress laughter puts on the body, which can lead to a few serious problems. We’re talking about things like asphyxiation (basically, you can’t breathe), fainting from a sudden drop in blood pressure, or for people with heart issues, the strain can even trigger a cardiac arrest. So, while your favorite comedian probably isn’t a life-threatening risk, it’s a wild reminder that even our most joyful emotions can push our bodies to the absolute limit.