Third heart sound

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Diagram of the human heart (cropped)
Third heart sound
[[File:|250px|alt=|]]
Synonyms S3
Pronounce N/A
Field Cardiology
Symptoms
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes
Risks
Diagnosis Auscultation
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths


The third heart sound (S3) is a low-frequency sound that occurs early in diastole during the rapid filling phase of the ventricles. It is often associated with increased volume of blood within the ventricle and can be a normal finding in children and young adults. However, in older adults, it may indicate the presence of heart failure or other cardiac conditions.

Physiology[edit | edit source]

The third heart sound is produced by the rapid deceleration of blood flow into the left ventricle from the left atrium. This sound is best heard with the bell of the stethoscope at the apex of the heart with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position. It is often described as a "dull" or "thudding" sound.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

In young individuals, an S3 can be a normal variant and is often referred to as a "physiological S3." In older adults, an S3 is more likely to be pathological and may indicate conditions such as:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The presence of an S3 can be detected through auscultation during a physical examination. It is important to differentiate an S3 from other heart sounds, such as the fourth heart sound (S4), which occurs just before the first heart sound (S1) and is associated with a stiff or hypertrophic ventricle.

Management[edit | edit source]

The management of a patient with an S3 depends on the underlying cause. If the S3 is due to heart failure, treatment may include:

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]


Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A[edit source]

B[edit source]

C[edit source]

D[edit source]

E[edit source]

H[edit source]

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

I[edit source]

K[edit source]

L[edit source]

M[edit source]

N[edit source]

O[edit source]

P[edit source]

R[edit source]

S[edit source]

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

T[edit source]

V[edit source]

W[edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD