Gallop rhythm

A gallop rhythm refers to a (usually abnormal) 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.

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 as well as pulmonary edema.

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