What is the alternative name for an Atrial Gallop?

An Atrial Gallop is indeed referred to as an S4 heart sound, which occurs just before the normal first heart sound (S1). This sound is associated with the late filling of the ventricles when the atria contract, typically seen in conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, or heart failure. The presence of an S4 indicates a stiff or hypertrophied ventricle, highlighting issues with ventricular compliance.

In contrast, S1 marks the closure of the atrioventricular valves and does not represent an additional gallop sound. S3, often called a ventricular gallop, occurs early in diastole and relates to rapid ventricular filling, contrasting with the atrial gallop that emphasizes atrial contraction. A split S2, which results from the asynchronous closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves during inspiration, is a different physiological phenomenon altogether and does not correlate with the characteristic sound produced by atrial contraction. Understanding these distinctions is important for proper assessment and diagnosis in cardiovascular nursing practice.