Gallop rhythm


A gallop rhythm refers to a rhythm of the heart on auscultation. It includes three or four sounds, 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. The first heart sound is closure of the valve at the end of ventricular filling ; the second heart sound, is closure of the aortic and/or the pulmonary valves as the ventricles relax. Extra sounds, when ventricular function is impaired, e.g., in case of acute infarction or severe cardiac failure. The sounds are thought to be caused by the atrium, facing back-pressure, forcing volume into an incompletely emptied ventricle. Then, given tachycardia, a "gallop" is produced. With right-sided back pressure after pulmonary embolism, and therefore an incompletely emptied right ventricle, a right-sided gallop can occur.

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 as well as pulmonary edema.
Gallop rhythms may be associated with the following: