Question

What heart sound can be heard when the heart attempts to fill an already distended ventricle, as in congestive heart failure?

1) S1
2) S2
3) S3
4) S4

Answer 1

In congestive heart failure, the heart sound that can be heard when the heart attempts to fill an already distended ventricle is S3. S3 occurs in early diastole, after S2, and is associated with the sound of blood flowing into the ventricle or blood sloshing back and forth in the ventricle. If S3 is heard later in life, it may indicate congestive heart failure and further tests may be needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

In congestive heart failure, the heart attempts to fill an already distended ventricle. The heart sound that can be heard in this condition is S3. S3 is a low-pitched sound that occurs in early diastole, after S2, and is associated with the sound of blood flowing into the ventricle or blood sloshing back and forth in the ventricle. If an S3 sound is heard later in life, it may indicate congestive heart failure and further tests may be needed.