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

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

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Ask the doctor: My defibrillator has never “fired.” Should I keep it or have it taken out?

My doctors recommended I get a defibrillator as “insurance,” but I have had it for eight years and it has never gone off. My doctor wants to put in a new battery. At age 86 I’d rather not. Could I just leave the device in place or have it taken out?

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