No, it is very unlikely to survive with 10% heart function.
According to the American Heart Association, a normal heart pumps blood out of its left ventricle at an ejection fraction of about 50 to 70 percent. In the case cited, a patient named Don had a heart function at only 10%, which was described as "basically a nonfunctional heart." The reference explicitly states that "When a heart is pumping at only 10 percent, a person can die very easily." This drastically reduced heart function means the heart is severely impaired in its ability to pump enough blood to the body, which can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Understanding Heart Function
A healthy heart efficiently pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body. This pumping action is measured by the ejection fraction, which indicates the percentage of blood ejected with each heartbeat.
- Normal Heart Function: 50-70% ejection fraction.
- Significantly Reduced Heart Function: 10% ejection fraction.
Risks Associated with 10% Heart Function
Having a heart functioning at only 10% poses severe health risks:
- Inadequate Blood Supply: Organs and tissues do not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
- Organ Failure: Vital organs can shut down due to lack of blood flow.
- High Risk of Death: Individuals with such reduced heart function are at very high risk of cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions.
| Heart Function Level | Description | Survival Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 50-70% | Normal Heart Function | High |
| 10% | Severely Reduced Heart Function | Very Low |
In summary, surviving with only 10% heart function is highly improbable due to the critical inadequacy of blood and oxygen delivery to the body's organs.
