
Where do you hear S1 and S2 best? You’ll hear S1 best at the apex of the heart, the left lower sternal The sternum or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury. Shaped roughly like a necktie, it is one of the largest and longest flat bones of the body. Its three regions are the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The word "ste…Sternum
Where do you hear S1 and S2 heart sounds?
You’ll hear S1 best at the apex of the heart, the left lower sternal border, or the mid-left sternal border. The second heart sound (S2) occurs when the aortic and pulmonic valves, also known as the semilunar valves, close. The closing of the aortic valve, called A2, is loud. The closing of the pulmonic valve, called P2, is quieter.
What is the difference between S1 and S2 sounds?
Low-pitched and long, S1 occurs at the start of the cardiac cycle and is coordinated with the apical impulse. You’ll hear S1 best at the apex of the heart, the left lower sternal border, or the mid-left sternal border. The second heart sound (S2) occurs when the aortic and pulmonic valves, also known as the semilunar valves, close.
Where is the S1 lub located in the heart?
Both the tricuspid and the mitral points are where the S1 “lub” can be heard. The base of the heart is where the aortic and pulmonic S2 sound will be loudest. The apex is where the tricuspid and mitral S1 sound is loudest upon auscultation.
What is the first heart sound (S1) called?
The first heart sound (S1) represents the normal closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves. The closing of the mitral valve is called M1, and the closing of the tricuspid valve is called T1.

Where are S1 and S2 sounds best heard?
6:0210:12How to Hear S1 and S2 Heart Sounds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that's still along that sternal border on the left side and that fourth intercostal.MoreAnd that's still along that sternal border on the left side and that fourth intercostal.
Where is S2 heart sound best heard?
The second heart sound (S2) is produced by the closure of the aortic (A2) and the pulmonary valves (P2) at the end of systole. Refer to the audio example below. A2 is best heard at the aortic area (second right intercostal space); P2 is best heard at the pulmonary area.
Where can I listen to S1 and S2?
The S1 and S2 sounds are present in normal heartbeat patterns. The tricuspid point is found left of the sternal border in the fourth intercostal space, and the mitral point is located midclavicular on the left side of the chest in the fifth intercostal space.
Where do you hear S1 best?
For example, the S1 heart sound — consisting of mitral and tricuspid valve closure — is best heard at the tricuspid (left lower sternal border) and mitral (cardiac apex) listening posts.
Where do you listen for s2?
Splitting best heard in the 2nd left intercostal space, close to the sternal border. Second heart sounds are best heard when patients are semi-recumbent (30-40 degrees upright) and in quiet inspiration.
Where can I listen to S1 S2 S3 S4?
The Apex of the heart includes the tricuspid and mitral areas, and S1 will be loudest at the apex. S3 and S4 along with mitral stenosis murmurs will be heard best at this position with the patient lying on their left side with the bell of the stethoscope.
Where is S3 best heard?
It is usually heard best while listening along the right or left lower sternal edge, in the epigastrium, or rarely over the jugular veins. An inspiratory increase in its intensity identifies a right ventricular gallop.
Can you hear S1 and S2 with a murmur?
If you recal that the interval between S1and S2 corresponds to the systolic phase, then a murmer that is heard between S1 and S2 wuld be called a systolic murmur. Then a diastolic murmur would be called a murmer heard between S2 and S1, which corresponds to the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle.
Is S1 or S2 louder at the base and why?
Intensity of S1 and S2: The intensity of S1 depends upon: the position of the AV valves at the onset of ventricular systole, the structure of the leaflets themselves, and the rate of pressure rise in the ventricle. Normally, S1 is louder than S2 at the apex, and softer than S2 at the base of the heart.
Which heart sound is louder S1 or S2?
In a normal heart S1 is louder than S2 in the apex, and S2 is louder than S1 in the base. Compare the sounds from apex to base of the heart. S1 is generated by closure of mitral and tricuspid valves and they are close to the apex of heart.
Where is S3 and S4 best heard?
A triple rhythm in diastole is called a gallop and results from the presence of a S3, S4 or both. Description: Both sounds are low frequency and thus best heard with the bell of the stethoscope.
Is S2 heard at the base?
Heart Auscultation Sites The Base of the heart includes the aortic and pulmonic areas, and S2 will be loudest at the base. Aortic and pulmonic murmurs are heard best at the base with the patient leaning forward and sitting up with the diaphragm of the stethoscope.
What does S2 heart sound indicate?
The second heart sound (S2) represents closure of the semilunar (aortic and pulmonary) valves (point d). S2 is normally split because the aortic valve (A2) closes before the pulmonary valve (P2). The closing pressure (the diastolic arterial pressure) on the left is 80 mmHg as compared to only 10 mmHg on the right.
What does S1 mean in a murmur?
Source: University of Michigan Murmur library. S1 corresponds to the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves during systole. During systole, ventricular pressure rises, leading to opening of the aortic and pulmonary valves as well as closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves.
What does S2 mean in a pulmonary valve?
S2 corresponds to the closing of the aortic and pulmonary valves at the beginning of diastole. S 2 may be subdivided into aortic (A 2) and pulmonary (P 2) sounds as the aortic valve closes slightly before the pulmonary valve.
What are the two heart sounds?
Basics of Heart Sounds – S1 and S2. There are 2 main heart sounds that can be heard during auscultation: S 1 and S 2, also affectionately known as ‘lub’ and ‘dub’ respectively. Normal heart sounds. Source: University of Michigan Murmur library. S1 corresponds to the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves during systole.
What causes S3 and S4?
Source: University of Michigan Murmur library. S3 occurs during ventricular filling. It can be a normal finding in people aged 40 or under. Pathological causes are mostly related to heart failure and include: Ischaemic heart disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy.
What happens when you reverse split S2?
Reversed splitting of S2. Splitting decreases with inspiration (and can lead to P2 arising before A2) .
How can the loudness of heart sounds be altered?
The loudness of heart sounds can be altered by changes in the force of valve closure.
Is S2 splitting affected by inspiration?
Fixed splitting of S2. Splitting is not affected by inspiration.
How to hear heart sounds with stethoscope?
Use your stethoscope for cardiac auscultation. Apart from the 3rd and 4th heart sounds and the mid-diastolic murmur of Mitral Stenosis, all the other heart sounds are best heard with the diaphragm of your stethoscope. You should firmly press your “diaphragm” to chest wall whereas apply only light pressure when you are auscultating with the “bell” of your stethoscope.
What pitch is the murmur on a stethoscope?
It can be low, medium or high pitches. Depending on the pitch you select the chestpeice of the stethoscope you place to hear the murmur best.
What is the meaning of "unique" in murmur?
It refers to unusual characteristics of the murmur which makes it unique in quality.
What is shape in a phonocardiogram?
The shape refers to the change of intensity of the murmur over time as seen in phonocardiograms.
What causes heart murmurs?
HEART MURMURS. Murmurs are caused by the blood flow across the valve (either from increased blood flow or defective valve). 1. TIMING. It refers to the timing of the murmur in relation to the cardiac cycle. 2. DURATION. It refers to the length of the murmur in relation to the phase of the cardiac cycle. 3.
What causes S3 in a patient?
It may be a normal finding in young patients & pregnancy, but almost always pathological after 40 years. The most common cause of pathological S3 is a congestive cardiac failure.
What are the four areas of auscultation?
Auscultation for heart sounds is mainly done in 4 areas, namely Mitral, Tricuspid, Aortic & Pulmonic. Remember these areas do not correspond to the location of heart valves, but the areas where the cardiac sounds are best heard. Some cardiac sounds can be heard with the unaided ear (e.g. Prosthetic valve clicks).
What causes heart sounds?
Basics about Heart Sounds. Heart sounds are caused by the closure of heart valves. The first sound you hear is S1 and is caused by the closure of the atrioventricular valves (AV) TRICUSPID AND MITRAL VALVES. This sounds like “ LUB ”. The second sound you hear is S2 and is caused by the closure of the s emilunar valves ...
Which side of the patient can be listened to with a stethoscope?
Left side: turn the patient onto their left side and auscultate with the bell of the stethoscope at the APEX area and listen for S3, S4, or mitral stenosis murmurs.
What is the second sound you hear?
The second sound you hear is S2 and is caused by the closure of the s emilunar valves (SL) AORTIC AND PULMONIC VALVES. This sounds like “ DUB ”.
Where is Tricuspid found?
Tricuspid: found left of the sternal border in the 4th intercostal space REPRESENTS S1 “lub”
Where is the aortic located?
Aortic: found right of the sternal border in the 2nd intercostal space REPRESENTS S2 “dub”
Which heart area is loudest?
The Apex of the heart includes the tricuspid and mitral areas, and S1 will be loudest at the apex. S3 and S4 along with mitral stenosis murmurs will be heard best at this position with the patient lying on their left side with the bell of the stethoscope.
What is the grade of a heart murmur?
Heart murmurs: blowing/swooshing noise from blood turbulence in the chambers of the heart (wall defect) or valve problem (stenosis or regurgitation) Grading of murmurs: Grade 1: hard to hear. Grade 2: faint but heard. Grade 3: easily to hear. Grade 4: Loud with a chest thrill.
What side should a patient be positioned on during an auscultation assessment?
Then, patients should be positioned laterally onto their left side so the provider can listen with the bell of the stethoscope for any S3, S4 (extra heart sounds) and/or mitral stenosis murmurs in the apex region. Aortic and pulmonic murmurs are more easily identified with the diaphragm of the stethoscope when patients are in a sitting position, leaned forward, and asked to exhale.
What is the apex of the heart?
The apex is where the tricuspid and mitral S1 sound is loudest upon auscultation. The apex region will also be where S3 and S4 sounds (extra heart sounds not usually noted in normal assessments) and mitral stenosis murmurs may be auscultated, if present.
What are the two critical items for auscultation?
Auscultation of a heart begins with two critical items: a stethoscope and a patient. Knowledge about both these elements is key to assessing the health of a heart. Classic stethoscopes have two sides of the chestpiece—the diaphragm and the bell.
Where is the S1 and S2 sound located?
The S1 and S2 sounds are present in normal heartbeat patterns. The tricuspid point is found left of the sternal border in the fourth intercostal space, and the mitral point is located midclavicular on the left side of the chest in the fifth intercostal space.
Where is the aortic point located?
The aortic point is located right of the sternal border in the second intercostal space. The pulmonic point is to the left of the sternal border in the second intercostal space. The sound that emits from the aortic and pulmonic points is the S2 “dub” of the typical “lub-dub” heartbeat.
Where are the aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral valves located?
The locations of auscultation center around the heart valves. The aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral valves are four of the five points of auscultation. The fifth is Erb’s point, located left of the sternal border in the third intercostal space. The aortic point is located right of the sternal border in the second intercostal space. The pulmonic point is to the left of the sternal border in the second intercostal space. The sound that emits from the aortic and pulmonic points is the S2 “dub” of the typical “lub-dub” heartbeat. The S1 and S2 sounds are present in normal heartbeat patterns.
How many points should be used during a heart assessment?
It is important to perform a comprehensive assessment of the heart, listening to all five points and keeping in mind which side of the chestpiece should be utilized during listening, as well as the patient’s position during auscultation.
What age do you hear a heart murmur?
The pulmonary ejection murmur usually occurs in children ages 8 to 14. You can hear it and the pulmonary flow murmur in early to mid-systole at the upper right sternal border. You’ll hear the pulmonary flow murmur best on the left sternal border at the second and third ICSs; it may radiate to the axillae or back. The most common continuous murmur, the cervical venous hum, occurs most commonly in children between ages 3 and 6. You’ll hear it only when a child sits. If the child turns his head, it disappears.
How common are heart murmurs in children?
About 50% of children have heart murmurs. The most common is Still’s murmur, an innocent murmur that typically occurs in children between ages 2 and 6. Best heard at the beginning of systole over the pulmonary and mitral areas, Still’s murmur is low-pitched and has a musical quality.
What is the first heart sound?
The first heart sound (S1) represents the normal closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves. The closing of the mitral valve is called M1, and the closing of the tricuspid valve is called T1. Low-pitched and long, S1 occurs at the start of the cardiac cycle and is coordinated with the apical impulse.
Where do you hear a systolic regurgitant murmur?
You’ll hear a systolic regurgitant murmur throughout systole beginning with the S1 at the pulmonary area . This murmur results when blood moves from a heart chamber with high pressure to one with lower pressure.
Where is the tricuspid area?
The tricuspid area extends from the fourth or fifth intercostal space (ICS) down to the subxiphisternal region and from the left sternal edge to the right of the sternum. The pulmonary area includes the second ICS at the left sternal border. The mitral area includes the apex of the heart (the fifth ICS at the midclavicular line).
When do you hear a pulmonary ejection murmur in a child?
The pulmonary ejection murmur usually occurs in children ages 8 to 14. You can hear it and the pulmonary flow murmur in early to mid-systole at the upper right sternal border.
Where is the mitral area?
The mitral area includes the apex of the heart (the fifth ICS at the midclavicular line). This area extends medially to the left sternal edge and laterally to the axillary region.

Heart Sounds & Murmurs
Heart Sounds
- FIRST HEART SOUND
1. Produced by the closing of AV valves(Mitral & Tricuspid). Best heard in Mitral & Tricuspid areas on precordium. M1 is preceded T1 only slightly. 2. It marks the beginning of systole(or ventricular contraction). 3. High pitched –Hence auscultated using the Diaphragm of Stethoscope. - SECOND HEART SOUND
1. Produced by the closing of Semilunar valves(Aortic &Pulmonary). 2. Best heard in Aortic & Pulmonary areas on precordium. 3. A2 is preceded P2 only slightly. It marks the end of systole(& beginning of diastole). 4. High pitched – Hence auscultated using the Diaphragm of Stethoscope.
Heart Murmurs
- Murmurs are caused by the blood flow across the valve(either from increased blood flow or defective valve).
Additional Heart Sounds – Opening Snaps
- Usually, the opening of cardiac valves does not make any sound. Opening snap occurs due to forceful “Opening” of a stenosed valve and it is described in Mitral stenosis (Refer MS). Hence it is always pathological. It is a high-pitched sound that occurs after S2.
Additional Heart Sounds – Pericardial Rubs
- The pericardial rub is a pathognomic physical sign of Pericarditis. It is characterized by a “scratchy or grating” soundbest appreciated along the sternal border with respiration suspended and the patient leading forward.