Former Denmark international Rikke Sevecke has opened up about the heart condition that ended her football career at the age of 27. Sevecke was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) last year, a disease that causes irregular heartbeats and prevents her from playing professional football.
The diagnosis came after a routine medical before a planned move to Italy in the summer of 2023 revealed alarming signals in her heart. Despite the discovery, Sevecke continued to play and even represented Denmark at the 2023 World Cup while awaiting further tests. She later signed for Portland Thorns in September before receiving the definitive diagnosis in the US.
Speaking about the impact, Sevecke described the difficulty of adapting to life without elite sport. She has since become an ambassador for the Danish Heart Foundation, aiming to raise awareness about heart disease in sport. She noted that stricter testing protocols in Italy uncovered a condition she may have had her whole life, questioning why such testing is not standard across all leagues.
While unable to play professionally, Sevecke can engage in low-intensity activities such as jogging, padel, and tennis. She has found peace with her situation, crediting her own mental strength and the support of family and friends for helping her adjust.
