1.04 S3 Heart Sound

Cardiovacular system reveiw for the USMLE Step 1 exam.

• The S3 heart sound, also called an S3 gallop or ventricular gallop, is an extra sound that occurs in early diastole during the ventricular filling phase
• It can be normal for some people and a sign of disease in others
• It is caused by a dilated or floppy ventricle and is associated with dilated or floppy ventricles.
• S3 can also be caused by increases in volume load on the ventricles
• It is commonly found in children and young adults, athletes, and people who are pregnant
• It is heard best when at the apex of the heart when the patient is placed in the left lateral decubitus position