NRK personality experienced the same as Eriksen: – Not afraid to die

NRK football expert Carl-Erik Torp, who received an implanted defibrillator after suffering cardiac arrest in 2011, has spoken out following Christian Eriksen's collapse during a match. Torp, 41, described the powerful jolt from his ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) as akin to being kicked by a horse, a sensation previously shared by national team coach Ståle Solbakken, who also has a similar device.

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I have experienced strong shocks 5–6 times and have also had quite a few smaller ones. That's how it is with ICDs. They try to treat you beforehand and override your heart rhythm before they send the big shock. It gives you several phases of treatment when you have an episode.

Torp explained that his ICD has activated five or six times with strong shocks and numerous smaller ones. The device attempts to regulate heart rhythm before delivering a larger shock. "Without the defibrillator, I would have been dead many times," he stated, emphasizing that the device provides crucial protection for individuals with heart conditions. He added that the knowledge of having this safety net prevents him from fearing death.

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Without the defibrillator, I would have been dead many times.

Reflecting on Eriksen's situation, Torp suggested that the Danish player was likely not in immediate mortal danger, assuming he has a similar implanted device. "As I read it, Christian Eriksen was not close to dying on Sunday. He was close because the body had again decided that the heart had an episode, but when you know that he has an implanted defibrillator, it is completely safe," Torp said. He acknowledged that Eriksen's mental state could be different, as he doesn't know the specific details of his heart condition.

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I am not afraid of dying. I am more worried, if I have an episode, then it is unpleasant. It affects the head and everyday life. But then it normalizes again.

Torp recalled his own reaction when he first heard about Eriksen's collapse, thinking, "It's a shame it happened on the field again." He noted that while he isn't afraid due to his own safety device, he understands it can be difficult for others. The experience also led to Eriksen's contract with Inter Milan being terminated due to league regulations regarding ICDs.

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As I read it, Christian Eriksen was not close to dying on Sunday. He was close because the body had again decided that the heart had an episode, but when you know that he has an implanted defibrillator, it is completely safe.