Christian Eriksen
Lockyer’s cardiac arrest was not the only time a soccer player suddenly collapsed, shocking players, staff and fans. In June 2021, Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during a Euro 2020 match. Like Lockyer, Eriksen received life-saving treatment on and off the pitch and survived.
Around nine months later, Eriksen returned to competitive English Premier League action with Brentford and now plays for Manchester United.
Introduction to implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
But how did Eriksen come back so quickly from so close to death? He now has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a small electronic device worn on his heart that closely monitors it and controls rapid, potentially life-threatening electrical disturbances, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Dr Cotcherill now turns to another world-famous footballer, Anthony Van Lew.
“He had a seizure, they found out what was causing it, put him on an ICD and he was able to continue playing,” Dr. Cocherill said. “The next time he collapsed, he hit the ground, felt the impact, woke up again and was able to go back to playing.”
Van Loo was just 20 years old when he went into cardiac arrest due to an irregular heartbeat and a shock from the ICD restored his heart rhythm to normal while playing for Belgian first division club KSV Roselare in 2009.
How can we prevent sudden death in competitive sports?
Besides using an ICD, Dr. Cocherill says raising awareness before athletic competition is key.
“Exercising before sudden death often produces warning symptoms that sudden death is about to occur,” Dr Cocherill said.
These symptoms may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, excessive sweating, abnormal heart rhythms, and discomfort in other parts of the body.
“The key is to pay attention and image the arteries in some way to see if that’s happening,” Dr. Cocherill says.
Dr Cocherill said Lockyer and Ericksen’s cases were perfect examples of why it’s important to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby and to know CPR.
“If someone collapses, you need to start CPR right away to maintain circulation, then attach the AED, and if their heart rate requires a shock, give them a shock,” Dr. Cocherill said.
Another prevention step, says Dr. Cocherill, is to know your family history. If someone in your family has had a sudden cardiac arrest during exercise or athletics, it’s important to have your child examined, preferably by a doctor with expertise in sudden cardiac arrest.
In addition to the sports physical, a cardiologist may also have an athlete undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, and other cardiac tests.
Seconds can save a life
“If someone is down for nine minutes before you begin resuscitation, their chances of survival are virtually zero. Every minute you lose a 10% chance. [chance of survival]” emphasizes Dr. Cocherill.
