Ask the doctor: Why does my heart sometimes feel like it stops, then starts up again with a jerk?

Published: June, 2011

Q. I am 92 years old. I have atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure, both controlled by medication. Every so often when I am relaxed in my chair after dinner, my heart feels like it stops and then starts up again with a jerk. Is this something I should worry about?

A. If you have atrial fibrillation, it is common to feel your heart pause and then start up with a bit of a kick. Here's why:

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