S3 Heart Sound (S3 Gallop) - Heart Auscultation - Episode 9

For all 12 Heart Auscultation Sounds, visit the AMBOSS Cardiovascular Learning Card: The S3 heart sound is a low-frequency heart sound that indicates a very rapid early diastolic filling of the ventricles. S3 is heard best at the cardiac apex with the bell of the stethoscope. As S3 immediately succeeds S2, the rhythm of S1-S2-S3 mimics the cadence of the word “Kentucky” (i.e., ken---tuc-ky) S3 can be physiological in children and young adults. In individuals over 40 years of age, S3 typically indicates a volume overload (e.g., congestive cardiac failure, mitral/tricuspid regurgitation). Palpate the carotid pulse while auscultating the heart to relate the auscultatory findings to the cardiac cycle. The heart sounds and murmurs have been amplified for demonstration purposes. Subscribe to AMBOSS YouTube for the latest clinical examination videos, medical student interviews, study tips and tricks, and live webinars! Free 5-Day