HEART SOUNDS
First heart sound (S1) “lub”
1. Caused by sudden block of reverse blood flow due to closure of atrioventricular valve, mitral and tricuspid, at the beginning of ventricular contraction (systole).
2. When the pressure in the ventricles rises above the pressure in the atria, venous blood flow entering the ventricles is pushed back toward the atria, catching the valve leaflets, closing the inlet valves and preventing regurgitation of blood from the ventricles back into the atria.
3. Results from reverberation within the blood associated with the sudden block of flow reversal by the valves.
Second heart sound (S2) “dub”
1. Caused by the sudden block of reversing blood flow due to closure of the aortic valve and pulmonary valve at the end of ventricular systole, i.e beginning of ventricular diastole.
2. As the left ventricle empties, its pressure falls below the pressure in the aorta, aortic blood flow quickly reverses back toward the left ventricle, catching the aortic valve leaflets and is stopped by aortic (outlet) valve closure.
3. Similarly, as the pressure in the right ventricle falls below the pressure in the pulmonary artery, the pulmonary (outlet) valve closes.
4. Results from reverberation within the blood associated with the sudden block of flow reversal.
Third heart sound (S3)
1. It is a protodiastolic sound - is not of valvular origin, as it occurs at the beginning of diastole just after S2.
2. This sound occurs when the left ventricle is not very compliant, and at the beginning of diastole the rush of blood into the left ventricle causes vibration of the valve leaflets and the chorda tendinae.
3. Normal in children and young adults, but disappears before middle age.
4. Pathologically seen in congestive cardiac failure (CCF) – a sign of failing left ventricle.
5. Is also called a prodiastolic gallop, a type of gallop rhythm.
Fourth heart sound (S4)
1. Called a presystolic gallop when it is audible in adults.
2. Sometimes audible in healthy children.
3. This gallop is pathological – usually a sign of failing left ventricle.
4. Occurs just after atrial contraction ("atrial kick") and is the sound of blood being forced into a stiff/hypertrophic left ventricle.
5. The combined presence of S3 and S4 is a quadruple gallop.
6. At rapid heart rates, S3 and S4 may merge to produce a summation gallop.