Actually, that creates a plot hole, because Leia claims to remember her mother in Return of the Jedi. If she's only remembering an "adoptive mother" it undermines all the emotion of that moment, because Luke has no memory of his mother. Padme ought to have died offscreen, between episodes 3 and 4.

Anyway, this is a well-written article, but I don't agree with you. My real problem with the Star Wars prequels is the very poor screenwriting (especially in Attack of the Clones) not the broken heart thing per se. Even if it wasn't supported by medical science, I still would have no problem with it, because it is poetically true. We see it in all kinds of mythology, from Greek to Arthurian. So yes - it could have had a place in Star Wars. But it is defeated by Lucas's narrative ineptitude and tin-ear for dialogue.

Here's what I would have done with the Star Wars prequels, if you're interested. :)