What heart sound is often associated with heart failure?

The S3 gallop, also known as the "ventricular gallop," is commonly associated with heart failure, particularly in its later stages. This heart sound occurs due to rapid filling of the ventricles and is indicative of increased fluid volume in the heart. It typically arises when the left ventricle is unable to accommodate the blood being returned from the lungs effectively, which is a hallmark of congestive heart failure.

When a patient has heart failure, the left ventricle may become dilated or stiff, leading to a change in how blood flows into the heart. The S3 sound is produced during the rapid filling phase of diastole when the ventricles fill quickly. The presence of an S3 gallop can provide essential information to healthcare providers regarding a patient's hemodynamic status and may suggest worsening heart failure or fluid overload.

In this context, the S3 sound serves as an important clinical finding, emphasizing the need for careful assessment and management of patients with heart failure.