heart murmurs, sounds/ abnorm, norm findings/aging adult findings

S1 (Lub)

Closure of AV valves; marks the beginning of systole. Loudest at the apex.

S2 (Dub)

Closure of semilunar valves; marks the end of systole. Loudest at the base.

S3 (Ventricular Gallop)

in early diastole; normal in children/young adults, it is pathologic in those over 40, (HF/FO)

S4 (Atrial Gallop)

at the end of diastole; always abnormal (except in elderly) and indicates a stiff, noncompliant ventricle; HTN, MI

What causes murmurs of the heart?

Murmurs are caused by turbulent flow due to increased blood velocity (exercise, fever), decreased viscosity (anemia), or structural defects (stenosis or regurgitation).

Grade 1/6

Very faint

Grade 3/6

Loud, no thrill

Grade 4/6

Loud, with a palpable thrill

Grade 6/6

Heard with the stethoscope completely off the chest

structural changes in the aging adult?

Arterial stiffening due to decreased elasticity, increased L vent wall thickness, and a widened pulse pressure

electrical changes in the aging adult?

increased prevalence of dysrhythmias (specifically Atrial Fibrillation)

what heart sounds could be heard in the elderly adult?

S4 due to age-related decreases in ventricular compliance