No, a heart functioning at 10% is not considered a normal or sustainable level. It indicates severe heart failure and is often described as a "nonfunctional heart."
Here's a more detailed explanation:
-
What does heart function at 10% mean? It means the heart is only pumping 10% of the blood it should be pumping with each beat. This is a drastically reduced ejection fraction, which is a measure of how well the left ventricle (the heart's main pumping chamber) is working.
-
Why is it so dangerous? A heart working at only 10% cannot effectively supply the body with enough oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to:
- Severe fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Organ damage
- Loss of consciousness
- Increased risk of sudden cardiac death. As stated in the provided reference, "When a heart is pumping at only 10 percent, a person can die very easily. They go to sleep or pass out and don't wake up.”
-
What can cause such a low ejection fraction? Conditions that can lead to a severely reduced ejection fraction include:
- Severe heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Severe coronary artery disease
- Heart attack causing significant damage
-
Is there any treatment? While a 10% heart function is a critical situation, treatments can sometimes improve heart function or provide support. These can include:
- Medications
- Implantable devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, ventricular assist devices (VADs))
- Heart transplant (in severe cases)
In summary, a heart operating at 10% is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. It is not considered a functional or sustainable level.
