What heart sound is commonly associated with angina?

The heart sound that is commonly associated with angina is typically the S4 heart sound. The S4 sound, also known as an atrial gallop, is produced during atrial contraction when blood is forced into a stiff or hypertrophied ventricle. In the context of angina, this can occur because the heart muscle may have become stiff due to conditions such as hypertension or ischemic heart disease. These conditions can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, which makes the ventricle less compliant and thus creates this additional sound when the atria contract.

In angina, the heart muscle can struggle to receive adequate blood supply during periods of increased demand, which is often when symptoms are triggered. The presence of an S4 heart sound may indicate that the heart is under stress and not functioning optimally, making it relevant in the context of angina. The recognition of S4 is important as it may prompt further evaluation of the patient’s heart function and underlying cardiac issues.