Which of the following statements is true regarding S4 heart sounds?

The statement regarding S4 heart sounds that is true is that it is synonymous with diastolic dysfunction. S4, also known as an atrial sound, is produced during late diastole when the atria contract to push blood into a stiff or hypertrophied ventricle that does not relax properly. This sound is often associated with conditions that involve decreased ventricular compliance, which is a hallmark of diastolic dysfunction.

In patients with diastolic dysfunction, the left ventricle becomes less compliant due to conditions such as hypertension, aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The presence of an S4 heart sound can indicate that the heart is working harder to fill the ventricles, reflecting the underlying issue of impaired ventricular filling.

The understanding of S4 heart sounds is crucial for clinical assessment and diagnosis because detecting this sound can lead to further evaluation of diastolic function and guide management strategies in heart failure patients.