Question

A 63 year old female patient comes to the clinic for a follow up after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She has a history of preexcisting coronary artery disease and angina. She states that she is compliant with her medication. What heart sound is not unexpected in a patient with congestive heart failure?

a. S1
b. S2
c. S3
d. S2 and S3

Answer 1

An S3 heart sound can be expected in a patient with congestive heart failure, as it is caused by rapid filling and vibration of the ventricular walls, which occurs in a failing heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a patient with congestive heart failure (CHF), an additional heart sound known as S3 may be expected. In the normal cardiac cycle, two primary heart sounds are heard—S1, associated with the closure of atrioventricular valves, and S2, associated with the closure of semilunar valves. The third heart sound, S3, can indicate abnormal conditions such as CHF, especially when present in patients beyond youth, such as a 63-year-old female. It is caused by the rapid filling and subsequent vibration of the ventricular walls, which can occur in a failing or dilated ventricle that is less able to handle the volume of blood. Hence, it is not unusual for an S3 heart sound to be detected in the auscultation of a patient with CHF.