Which abnormal heart sound is commonly heard in patients with heart failure?

The S3 gallop is an abnormal heart sound that is commonly associated with heart failure, particularly in cases of volume overload and decreased ventricular function. This sound occurs during the rapid filling phase of the ventricles in early diastole, as blood flows from the atria into a stiff or dilated ventricle. In patients with heart failure, the left ventricle may not be able to accommodate this rapid influx of blood effectively, leading to turbulence and the audible S3 sound.

The presence of an S3 gallop indicates increased filling pressures in the heart, which is a hallmark of heart failure. It serves as a clinical indicator that the heart is under strain and may be unable to pump effectively, providing valuable information for diagnosis and management. Recognition of this sound in clinical practice is key to assessing the severity of heart failure and the patient's prognosis.