Südamehäält

Südamehäält is an Estonian term that translates to "heart sound" or "heartbeat." It refers to the sounds produced by the beating heart and the closing of its valves during the cardiac cycle. These sounds are typically described as "lub-dub" and are a fundamental indicator of heart function.

The first heart sound, often called S1, is caused by the closure of the atrioventricular valves, namely the mitral and tricuspid valves. This occurs at the beginning of ventricular systole, when the ventricles contract. The second heart sound, S2, is produced by the closure of the semilunar valves, the aortic and pulmonary valves, at the beginning of ventricular diastole, when the ventricles relax.

Physicians listen to these heart sounds using a stethoscope to assess the health of the heart. Abnormalities in the timing, intensity, or presence of heart sounds can indicate various cardiac conditions, such as valve defects, murmurs, or arrhythmias. The study and interpretation of heart sounds is a crucial part of cardiovascular diagnostics. Südamehäält is not just a simple sound; it is a complex acoustic phenomenon that provides vital information about the intricate workings of the heart.