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Heart sound S3, also known as a third heart sound, is commonly associated with congestive heart failure (CHF). This abnormal heart sound occurs during the rapid filling phase of the ventricles when blood rushes in from the atria, and it is often a sign of increased volume or pressure in the ventricles. In individuals with congestive heart failure, the heart's ability to pump efficiently is compromised, leading to fluid accumulation and changes in the dynamics of blood flow. As a result, the presence of an S3 sound is indicative of this condition, reflecting the heightened left ventricular filling pressures and diastolic dysfunction often observed in heart failure patients.

In contrast, while cardiomyopathy can lead to heart sounds like S3, it is not exclusively indicative; other heart conditions may also result in similar findings. Myocardial infarction may not typically present with S3, as it is often associated with bradycardia or other abnormal rhythms rather than the rapid filling dynamics that produce S3. Similarly, pulmonary embolism, while it can impact heart function and potentially produce abnormal heart sounds, is not directly linked to the S3 sound in the same straightforward manner as congestive heart failure. Therefore, the association of S3 with CHF makes