Auscultation of the Heart II

Abstract

So sang Gilbert 50 years ago and so might some sing today with regard to triple rhythm, particularly, perhaps, physicians brought up before the days of modern analysis but not, let us hope, the student of today who has the opportunity to start aright. Triple rhythm signifies that three heart sounds can be heard instead of the usual two and therefore this term should not be used to include splitting of the first or second heart sounds nor for extra-cardiac sounds. The added sound of true triple rhythm falls during diastole.