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Listen to Heart Sounds

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Heart sounds

  • The first heart sound (S1) is heard as the atrioventricular valves close and is heard loudest at the apex of the heart.
  • The second heart sound (S2) is heard when the semilunar valves close and is heard loudest at the base of the heart.

Hear normal and abnormal heartbeats.

  • A third heart sound (S3) may be heard if ventricular wall compliance is decreased and structures in the ventricular wall vibrate; this can occur in conditions such as congestive heart failure or valvular regurgitation. However, a third heart sound may be normal in individuals younger than 30 years.
  • A fourth heart sound (S4) may be heard on atrial systole if resistance to ventricular filling is present; this is an abnormal finding, and the causes include cardiac hypertrophy, disease, or injury to the ventricular wall.

Heart rate

  • The faster the heart rate, the less time the heart has for filling, and the cardiac output decreases.
  • An increase in heart rate increases oxygen consumption.
  • The normal sinus heart rate is 60 to 100 beats/min.
  • Sinus tachycardia is a rate more than 100 beats/min.
  • Sinus bradycardia is a rate less than 60 beats/min.

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