Second Heart Sounds

Opening Snap and Second Heart Sound - Auscultation Lesson

An opening snap occurring early in diastole along with a single second heart sound can mimic a split second heart sound. An opening snap is caused by thickened valve leaflets. When they open, it produces a snapping sound. The more severe the thickening the earlier in diastole the opening snap occurs. In this example you are hearing an opening snap, which occurs 75 milliseconds after the start of the second heart sound.

Listen

The patient's position is supine.

Visualize

Observe

An opening snap is caused by thickened valve leaflets. When they open it, produces a snapping sound. The more severe the thickening the earlier in diastole the opening snap occurs. In this example you are hearing an opening snap which occurs 75 milliseconds after the start of the second heart sound.