The S3 heart sound occurs when the ventricles in the heart rapidly fill with blood. Sometimes, it might be an atypical finding. Learn more here.

Medically reviewed by Rafle Fernandez, MD A third heart sound, or S3, is a low-frequency, extra heart sound that may be heard ...

The third heart sound (S3), also known as the “ventricular gallop,” occurs just after S2 when the mitral valve opens, allowing passive filling of the left ventricle. The S3 sound is actually ...

A S3 heart sound should disappear when the diaphragm of the stethoscope is used and should be present while using the bell. The opposite is true for a split S2.

Medically reviewed by Jeffrey S. Lander, MD Heart sounds are the noises made as blood moves through the heart with each heartbeat. When the heart valves close, they make a distinct lubb-dupp sound.

Doctors listen for the S4 sound because it often indicates an issue with the heart. According to experts, diastolic sounds — S3 and S4 — present a concern for doctors since all but a few cases ...

Physicians with more experience are better able to detect a third heart sound that is an indicator of heart disease, according to a study on stethoscope accuracy in cardiac patients at UCSF Medical ...

Heart's sounds can help diagnose heart failure, study finds. ScienceDaily . Retrieved June 3, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2010 / 08 / 100810163500.htm ...

The fourth heart sound (S4) sounds like “Toronto,” with emphasis on the middle syllable (tor ON to). The presence of this heart sound means that the ventricle is stiff and noncompliant, just like that ...

Take a moment to focus on the heart sounds and to orient yourself to the cardiac cycle. This is the best place to hear S1, mitral valve murmurs, and S3 and S4 gallops.

Their use may vary between internal-medicine and emergency-medicine doctors, depending, to some extent, on the questions asked--or not asked--at the history-taking.

Heart failure: One of the most common causes of a galloping heart. The S3 sound is often heard in patients with congestive heart failure due to increased fluid pressure in the heart.