Sydänäänten

Sydänäänten is a Finnish term that translates to "heart sounds" in English. These sounds are produced by the opening and closing of the heart valves during the cardiac cycle. The most common and significant heart sounds are referred to as the first heart sound (S1) and the second heart sound (S2).

The first heart sound, S1, is typically described as "lub." It is caused by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves, which are the atrioventricular valves, at the beginning of ventricular systole. This sound marks the start of ventricular contraction.

The second heart sound, S2, is often described as "dub." It results from the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves, which are the semilunar valves, at the beginning of ventricular diastole. This sound signifies the end of ventricular contraction and the start of ventricular relaxation.

Variations in the intensity, timing, or presence of these normal heart sounds, as well as the occurrence of additional sounds like murmurs, gallops, or rubs, can indicate various cardiac conditions. A healthcare professional uses a stethoscope to listen to these sounds, a process known as auscultation, as part of a physical examination to assess the health of the heart. The interpretation of sydänäänten is a fundamental skill in cardiology.