S2 Heart Sounds Introduction

Introduction

Learn about the S2 heart sound, listen to examples, take short lessons and compare to other heart sounds. For all medical professionals.

Our S2 heart sound lessons can be found in this second heart sounds module. Secondly, our reference index is designed to provide quick access to heart sounds, with audio tracks, listening guides and waveforms. Use this link for quick reference to heart and lung sounds.

What is an S2 Heart Sound?

The S2 heart sound is created by the closing of the aortic valve followed by the closing of the pulmonic valve. The second heart sound occurs at the end of systole (ventricular contraction) and also marks the beginning of diastole. S2 often has two audible components caused by the (separate) closing of the aortic and pulmonic valves. Splitting of S2 heart sounds are covered in our course Second Heart Sounds

Listen

Normal S1 and S2

The patient's position should be supine.

Waveform

Compare To Fixed Splitting S2

The patient's position should be supine.

Heart Sounds Reference Guide

Our auscultation reference guide provides quick access to this sound as well as many other adventitious sounds. Each sound is described also with an audio recording and waveform.

Heart Sounds Reference Guide

Authors and Reviewers

Authored by Dr. Jonathan Keroes, MD and David Lieberman, Developer, Virtual Cardiac Patient.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Barbara Erickson, PhD, RN, CCRN.
Last Update: 12/12/2021.