Gallop rhythm

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Gallop rhythm
ICD-9 427.9, 785.3

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A gallop rhythm refers to a (usually abnormal) rhythm of the heart on auscultation.[1] It includes three or four sounds,[2] thus resembling the sounds of a gallop.

The normal heart rhythm contains two audible heart sounds called S1 and S2 that give the well-known "lub-dub" rhythm; they are caused by the closing of valves in the heart.

A gallop rhythm contains another sound, called S3 or S4, dependent upon where in the cycle this added sound comes.

It can also contain both of these sounds forming a quadruple gallop, and in situations of very fast heart rate can produce a summation gallop where S3 and S4 occur so close as to be indistinguishable.

Associated conditions

Gallop rhythms may be heard in young or athletic people, but may also be a sign of serious cardiac problems like heart failure.

References

  1. Tavel ME (1996). "The appearance of gallop rhythm after exercise stress testing". Clin Cardiol. 19 (11): 887–91. doi:10.1002/clc.4960191109. PMID 8914783. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. Template:DorlandsDict

External links