Herztönen

Herztönen is a term that refers to the sounds produced by the heart during its cycle of contraction and relaxation. These sounds are generated by the closing of the heart valves. The two primary heart sounds, often described as "lub-dub," are S1 and S2. S1, the "lub," is caused by the closure of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) as the ventricles begin to contract. S2, the "dub," results from the closure of the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonary) as the ventricles relax. In addition to these normal sounds, abnormal heart sounds, known as murmurs or gallops, can occur. These abnormal sounds may indicate underlying heart conditions such as valve defects, septal defects, or abnormal blood flow. Auscultation, the act of listening to these heart sounds using a stethoscope, is a fundamental diagnostic tool in cardiology, allowing healthcare professionals to assess the health of the heart. Variations in the timing, intensity, and quality of herztönen can provide valuable clues for diagnosing and monitoring various cardiovascular ailments.