Which of the following is a common physical exam finding in dilated cardiomyopathy?

In dilated cardiomyopathy, a common physical exam finding is the presence of an S3 heart sound. This occurs due to increased blood volume in the ventricles during diastole, leading to rapid filling of the heart. The S3 sound is often described as a "gallop" rhythm and is indicative of heart failure when associated with the dilated phase, as it signifies an increased left ventricular volume and poor compliance of the ventricular walls.

The presence of an S3 heart sound is particularly relevant in the context of dilated cardiomyopathy, as this condition often leads to congestive heart failure due to the heart's impaired ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, the S3 sound can be a key diagnostic feature when evaluating a patient with suspected heart failure.

Other options, while they can be associated with various cardiac conditions, do not have the same specific correlation with dilated cardiomyopathy. Bradycardia is more often seen in conditions where there is increased vagal tone or certain heart block scenarios. Wheezing is typically related to respiratory issues rather than a direct outcome of dilated cardiomyopathy. Finally, diaphoresis is a common sign in many acute conditions, but it does not specifically indicate dilated cardiomy