CRY Ireland (Cardiac Risk in the Young) wish Danish Footballer, Christian Eriksen, the very best, following a cardiac arrest on Saturday 12th of June during the Euro 2020 opener against Finland. Christian was revived after emergency CPR on the pitch, however there are many that suffer from cardiac conditions that are not so lucky.
CRY Ireland is an Irish registered charity that offers cardiac assessment, counselling and bereavement support services to those affected by cardiac conditions or to those that have lost a loved one to sudden cardiac death. Approximately 60 to 80 people aged between one and 35 lose their life to Sudden Cardiac Death in Ireland each year which has a devastating and life-altering effect on their families, friends and communities.
CRY Ireland strongly recommends that cardiac assessments are carried out for those families who are affected by Sudden Cardiac Death. The best treatment for those potentially at risk includes expert clinical assessment, access to genetic testing and counselling.
Dr. Deirdre Ward, Director at the CRY Inherited Cardiac Conditions Centre at Tallaght University Hospital said: “Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating effectively due to a sudden serious change in the heart’s rhythm. This always results in collapse, and often in sudden death. While defibrillators (also known as AEDs) can be used to treat some, they cannot treat all causes of cardiac arrest. While in older people blockages in blood vessels are the commonest cause of cardiac arrest, in younger people genetic conditions affecting the heart muscle or ‘electrical channels’ account for at least 50% of cases. Cardiac Assessments can help detect these conditions early on and help reduce the risk of cardiac arrest.”
Chairperson of CRY, Noelle Condon said: “This unfortunately reminds me of the significance of CRY Ireland and really hit close to home as it reminded me of the time when I saw a young boy collapse suddenly and die while playing in the same football match as one of my sons. Seeing someone so young and healthy lose their life to this condition was a shocking experience. The work of CRY Ireland in helping those that have been affected by sudden cardiac death is truly valuable and can potentially save lives.”
Footballer Cathal Joyce, who suffered from a cardiac episode while playing in the club championship semi-final aged 25, said: “I am thinking of Christian and his family during this time. I know first-hand how devastating and traumatic a scare like this can have on families. Without my brother giving me CPR on the pitch, the outcome could have been very different for me. It’s so important that the signs are spotted early and treated and that we create awareness of sudden cardiac death as possible”
CRY Ireland are committed to their family support programme, assessing potential cardiac conditions and supporting those affected. For more information please go to www.cry.ie