What distinguishes a murmur from a gallop sound?

A murmur is characterized by a whooshing sound that is produced by turbulent blood flow within the heart or great vessels. This turbulent flow can result from various factors, including structural issues such as valve abnormalities, increased blood flow, or other hemodynamic changes. Murmurs often relate to the timing of the heart cycle, being classified as systolic or diastolic depending on when they occur.

In contrast, a gallop rhythm, often described as "galloping" due to its resemblance to a horse's gallop, is typically associated with either the early diastolic heart sounds known as S3 or the late diastolic heart sound known as S4. Gallops indicate certain pathologies such as heart failure or stiff ventricle conditions. This key distinction between the whooshing sound of a murmur and the more rhythmic pattern of a gallop sound is fundamental in clinical auscultation.

Understanding these differences enhances clinical assessment and guides further diagnostic and management approaches in cardiovascular care.