Footballer Christian Eriksen’s collapse during a friendly match serves as a “reminder of the potentially devastating impact that cardiac conditions can have on so many young people”, the chief executive of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has said.
The Danish midfielder appeared to collapse during Sunday’s friendly with Ukraine, though Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed he “regained consciousness very quickly”.
Eriksen had previously collapsed at Euro 2020 during a 1-0 loss to Finland, and it later emerged he had suffered a cardiac arrest.
He subsequently required an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device to be fitted to ensure he could resume his playing career, but the 34-year-old sparked more fears on Sunday before the Danish Football Union provided a positive update.
Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), said: “This second, sudden collapse of Danish midfielder Christen Eriksen is a reminder of the potentially devastating impact that cardiac conditions can have on so many young people every day in the UK and across the world.
“Every week in the UK, at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people will collapse and die suddenly from previously undiagnosed heart conditions.
“This is why cardiac screening in both the general population and amongst elite athletes (more routinely and regularly) is so important. As such, CRY’s UK-wide screening programme tests the hearts of more than 30,000 young people aged 14-35 every year.”
CRY wants all young people to be routinely screened to identify conditions which can potentially be life-threatening.
Dr Cox added: “Over the past 30 years, we have learnt a great deal about the cardiac conditions that can affect young people. Through CRY’s screening programme, around one in every 300 people tested is found to have an underlying cardiac condition that could be life-threatening if left untreated.
“We know that screening identifies most of these conditions, but we also know that in around 80 per cent of cases, there are no symptoms before collapse. Despite the progress made, there are still too many unknowns.
“Too often, the first sign that anything is wrong with a young person’s heart is also the last.
“Sport itself does not cause sudden cardiac death, but it can significantly increase the risk for individuals with an underlying cardiac condition. International evidence shows that Italy, where cardiac screening is mandatory for young people participating in organised sport, has reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac death among young athletes by almost 90 per cent.
“While significant advances have been made in understanding, preventing and managing these conditions, there is still much to learn. That is why continued investment in research is so important.
“CRY is proud to be leading research in this field, with the hope that one day no young person will collapse or die from an undiagnosed cardiac condition.”
