heart sound

heart sound

n.

Any of the sounds heard on auscultation over the heart, usually referred to as first, second, third, or fourth heart sound. Also called cardiac sound.

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heart sound,

a noise produced within the heart during the cardiac cycle that can be heard over the precordium. It may reveal abnormalities in cardiac structure or function. Cardiac auscultation is performed systematically from the apex to the base of the heart or from base to apex, using a stethoscope to listen, initially with the diaphragm and then with the bell of the instrument. Standard heart sounds include S_{1>, produced by the closure of the atrioventricular valves; S2>, produced by the closure of the semilunar valves; S3; and S4>. Additional heart sounds include clicks, gallops, murmurs, rubs, and snaps.}

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heart sound

Cardiology Any normal or abnormal sound heard by auscultation of the heart. See Fourth heart sound, Murmur, Third heart sound.