Second Heart Sounds

Introduction

This module will teach you about second heart sound auscultation including these learning objectives:

• Understand how S2 is generated
• Differentiate S2 from S1
• How to use the respiratory cycle to find S2 splitting
• Identify the types of S2 splitting

Before beginning this course, you should complete the Normal and First Heart Sounds modules and be able to recognize the first heart sound.

Overview

The second heart sound (S2) is the result of heart vibrations transmitted to the chest wall when the aortic (A2) and pulmonic (P2) valves close. These valves close at the end of systole.

Single S2

Physiologically Split S2

Fixed Split S2

---

Start Second Heart Sounds Course

---

Second Heart Sounds Lessons

Physiologically Split S2

Closure of the aortic valve followed by the closing of the pulmonic valve generates the second heart sounds (S2). Careful observation of the intensity and splitting of the S2 can indicate the presence of several cardiac abnormalities.

In this recording, we present normal physiological S2 splitting. The splitting varies between zero and eighty milliseconds over the respiratory cycle. The S2 aortic component (S2A) precedes the S2 pulmonic component (S2P).

Physiologically Split S2 Lesson

Persistent Splitting S2

In this recording, we can observe S2 persistent splitting. Splitting varies between thirty milliseconds at peak expiration and sixty milliseconds at peak inspiration.

With normal physiologic splitting, the second heart sound is not split at peak expiration. But with persistent splitting, the S2 splits during inspiration and expiration. However, the amount of splitting is reduced in expiration.

This type of splitting is associated with pulmonary hypertension and right bundle branch block

Persistent Splitting S2 Lesson

Fixed Splitting S2

This lesson and recording presents fixed splitting of the second heart sound. The S2 split is unchanged through inspiration and expiration at about sixty milliseconds.

Fixed S2 splitting is associated with acute pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary stenosis, and pulmonary emboli. Fixed splitting of the second heart sound along with murmurs can indicate the presence of an atrial septal defect, a congenital heart defect.

The murmurs have been eliminated in this recording so that you can concentrate on the fixed splitting of the second heart sound. In a later module you will hear the fixed splitting of S2 along with murmurs of atrial septal defect.

Fixed Splitting S2 Lesson

Fixed Splitting, Increased Aortic Intensity S2

Listen to this recording of a second heart sound with fixed splitting and including an increased sound intensity of the aortic component. This condition is seen in some patients with chronic, severe hypertension; aortic pressure is significantly increased.

Our recording contains fixed splitting of S2 to make it easier to concentrate on the relative intensities of the aortic and pulmonic components. In the cardiac animation video, note the increased thickness of the left ventricular wall caused by essential hypertension.

Fixed Splitting, Increased Aortic Intensity S2 Lesson

Fixed Splitting, Decreased Aortic Intensity S2

Second heart sound (S2) with fixed splitting and an aortic component with decreased intensity is presented in this lesson. We are using a fixed splitting audio recording to help you more easily hear the difference in intensity between the aortic and pulmonic components of S2.

Fixed Splitting, Decreased Aortic Intensity S2 Lesson

Late Systolic Click and S2

Note that certain heart sound patterns can resemble S2 splitting. A late systolic click plus a single-second heart sound (S2) in one such condition. In this case, a late systolic click occurs immediately before the second heart sound. This incorrect leads to a finding of a split S2.

To correctly evaluate the sounds, carefully to the two sounds. If the first of the pair is of higher frequency and shorter duration than the second, it is a late systolic click followed by a single second heart sound.

Moving the stethoscope chestpiece to the pulmonic area is also a good technique for distinguishing a late systolic click from a split S2. The single S2 will be present and the late systolic click will diminish or disappear

Degeneration of the mitral valve leaflets causes these leaflets to make a "clicking" sound during late systole. In the video, you will see prolapse of the anterior lateral mitral valve leaflet which generates the late systolic click.

Late Systolic Click and S2 Lesson

Tumor Plop and S2

A single S2 followed by a tumor plop in diastole can also mimic a split second heart sound.

If you move the stethoscope chestpiece to the pulmonic position, the tumor plop diminishes or disappears. But if two distinct sounds at the pulmonic area are observed, then this is likely to be an S2 split.

Tumor plop and third heart sound gallop have the same timing and frequency. It is not possible to distinguish one from the other.

Tumor Plop and S2 Lesson

Opening Snap and S2

In this recording, listen for an opening snap that begins about 75 milliseconds after the commencement of S2. Such opening snaps in early in diastole and a single S2 can mimic a split second heart sound.

The source of an opening snap is thickened valve leaflets which produce a snapping sound when opening. The more severe the thickening the earlier in diastole the opening snap occurs.

Opening Snap and S2 Lesson

Course Quiz

After completing all lessons in a course, a quiz becomes available. If the user successfully completes a quiz, results are saved to the user's dashboard and a certificate can be printed.

Course Completion

Registered users can earn a certificate of achievement for this module by reading all content and then earning a passing score on this module's quiz.

Completed modules and related scores can be viewed on the dashboard.