It was announced today that Christian Eriksen will have a heart starter device (ICD) implanted after he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020. There is now hope that Eriksen’s new device will allow him to play football again. Expert injury analyst, Ben Dinnery, tweeted today that Dutch player, Daley Blind, has been fitted with a similar heart device and “continues to play at the highest level”.
Mr Dinnery said: “Daley Blind, [who suffers from] myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), has been fitted with an S-ICD (Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator).
“[This is] less intrusive than a traditional ICD – which is prescribed for patients perceived to be at risk of sudden cardiac death.”
Whether Eriksen will be fitted with a S-ICD or traditional ICD has not been confirmed.
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Mr Dinnery went on to say that it is uncertain what effect the device will have on Eriksen’s future career. He said: “Unwise to speculate at the moment. The precise details, and underlying cause, have not been released. But I would add that Blind continues to play at the highest level.”
Blind was diagnosed with myocarditis in 2019 after suffering a dizzy spell when playing in the Champions League.
Eriksen and Blind were Ajax teammates between 2010 and 2013 and Blind admitted that he considered missing Netherlands’ opening Euro 2020 game against Ukraine after watching his friend have a cardiac arrest on Saturday.
The official Twitter for the Danish Football Union revealed details of Eriksen’s heart device today. The statement said: “National team doctor Morten Boesen has been in contact with cardiac specialists at Rigshospitalet and Christian Eriksen and this is the latest status.
“After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter). This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances.
“Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has been confirmed by specialists who all recommend the same treatment.”
