[News] Christian Eriksen to be fitted with an under-skin ‘heart starter’ device days after going into cardiac arrest during match

Denmark footballer, Christian Eriksen is set to be fitted with an under-skin heart starter device after suffering a cardiac arrest during his side’s opening Euro 2020 match last weekend.

The decision was made following several “different heart examinations” and Eriksen has “accepted the solution”, the Denmark team doctor said.

The heart starter, known as an ICD, is designed to correct the rhythm of the heart if it notices a potentially dangerous pattern by issuing a number of small or larger electric shocks.

In extreme life treathening situations it can act as a defibrillator to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

The new development comes five days after the 29-year-old Inter Milan midfielder collapsed on the pitch while playing against Finland in Copenhagen, leaving him needing to be resuscitated, rushed to hospital and the match temporarily stopped.

 

Eriksen regained consciousness before being taken to hospital, where medics continue to work to identify what caused his cardiac arrest.

Denmark’s team doctor Morten Boesen said the midfielder was “gone” but the swift response and treatment on the pitch and by medical staff meant he was stabilised and later able to message his teammates.

Providing an update on his status on Thursday, June 17, Dr Boesen said: “After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter).

“Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment.

“We encourage everybody to give Christian and his family peace and privacy the following time.”

His team will face Belgium in their second game of the tournament in Copenhagen, and the players will kick the ball out of play in the 10th minute to take part in a minute’s applause for Eriksen.