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Harvard Heart Letter

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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Daily Health Tip

Try the tree pose

To build concentration and balance, try doing the tree pose: Stand with your feet directly under your hips, feet parallel. Lift your right foot and rest it on the inside of your left leg, under your knee. Clasp your hands together in front of your heart. Keep your gaze forward and take up to six easy breaths. Then repeat, this time standing on your right leg and lifting your left. If your balance is shaky, rest your hands on a chair in front of you.

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

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

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

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