What does it mean for the heart to be working at 55%?

A friend had and echo and the Dr. told him that his heart was working at 55% is this his EF or do I need to see the report for more info?  Something about the valves not closing right and damage from second hand smoke (never smoked a day in his life) and alcohol.  Can anyone explain what this means and how to help?

[ed34]

Well I think this must be the EF. An echo scan cannot determine how much, if any, tissue damage there is. This requires something like a nuclear scan.

[lawlean]

I am new could you explain what EF means.

[Flycaster305]

EF is shorthand for Ejection Fraction.  'Normal' hearts are between 50 - 70% efficient, so it appears the heart in question is within the normal range.  I would suggest you ask your friend to get the procedure report from the clinic or hospital, it will have detailed information about the valves that some people who post on this board may understand, and can help you understand the conclusions.  
In the meantime, he may only have minor or trivial valve damage, which is pretty common.