This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Wide split second (2nd) heart sound

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The second heart sound is widely split if there is an early A2 or if the P2 is delayed.

  • Early A2 can occur in mitral regurgitation or ventricular septal defect. There is a shortening of left ventricular systole because of diminished resistance to left ventricular ejection.
  • Delayed P2 - possible causes include :-
    • right bundle branch block, where there is delay in the activation of the right ventricle
    • pulmonary stenosis - the P2 is soft and delayed;
    • atrial septal defect with left to right shunt - there is an increase in right ventricular stroke volume which causes a delayed P2
    • prolonged right ventricular contraction as a result of right ventricular failure.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.