Essential Heart Sounds

Normal First and Second Heart Sounds - No Splitting

Our first lesson presents a normal first and second heart sound. This recording was taken over the Apex (Mitral valve area. The closing of the mitral and tricuspid valve leaflets produce the first heart sound. When the aortic and pulmonic valve leaflets close, the second heart sound is created. The first heart sound has a slightly greater intensity than the second heart sound. The first heart sound is also called S1 and the second heart sound, S2.

Listen

patient torso with stethoscope chestpiece

The patient's position should be supine.

Visualize

Observe

The first heart sound is produced by the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valve leaflets. The second heart sound is produced by the closing of the aortic and pulmonic valve leaflets.

Authors and Reviewers

Authored by Thomas O Brien
. Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Keroes, MD
Last Update: 11/8/2021