Abnormal heart sounds and their significance

1. What are abnormal heart sounds What do these heart sounds indicate?
2. Which heart sounds may indicate significant heart failure?
3. What are common causes for abnormal heart sounds?

What are abnormal heart sounds What do these heart sounds indicate?

Heart murmurs are unusual sounds that come from the heart, typically between beats. A heart murmur may be innocent or abnormal. Abnormal heart murmurs occur due to an underlying condition, such as a defect in the heart valves. AFib occurs when the heart beats irregularly or faster than normal.

Which heart sounds may indicate significant heart failure?

The pathological S3 is often an early sign of heart failure. If present, the S3 heart sound occurs immediately after the S2, coinciding with the period of rapid ventricular filling, and is a soft and low frequency sound that is best heard with the bell of the stethoscope lightly rested over the chest wall.

What are common causes for abnormal heart sounds?

Calcium deposits can cause a heart valve — such as the mitral valve or the aortic valve — to become stiff and narrow (valve stenosis). A calcified valve also may not close completely, letting blood flow backward. The changes in blood flow create a murmur.