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- Henrik Lundqvist, a Hockey Hall of Famer, had to retire from the NHL in 2021 after being diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis.
- This condition is an autoinflammatory disease that impacts approximately 40,000 individuals in the United States each year.
- Through a new partnership with Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Lundqvist is raising awareness about recurrent pericarditis and sharing his experiences to help others recognize its symptoms.
Three years after his unexpected retirement from hockey, Henrik Lundqvist has established a new routine.
“Previously, my schedule was dictated by the hockey season,” Lundqvist, 42, explains to PEOPLE. “Now, it revolves around taking my daughters to school.”
The retired goaltender of the New York Rangers recently spoke with PEOPLE in New York City, the place he has called home since relocating from Sweden to join the NHL.
In New York City, Lundqvist carved out a remarkable legacy in hockey, being recognized as one of the top goaltenders in the sport’s history. He achieved five NHL All-Star selections and won the esteemed Vezina Trophy in 2012, awarded to the league’s top goalie. Over his 15 years with the Rangers, he was named the team’s MVP nine times and played a critical role in leading them to the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, earning him the revered title “King Henry” among sports fans in New York for his years of exceptional performance on the ice.
However, Lundqvist’s illustrious career faced an abrupt halt during the 2020 season, shortly after he signed his first free-agent contract with the Washington Capitals. He began experiencing chest pains, which led doctors to discover an irregular heartbeat, necessitating open-heart surgery.
Henrik Lundqvist.
Jim McIsaac/Getty
Following the surgery, Lundqvist continued to endure pain
Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals has collaborated with PEOPLE to raise awareness about RP, shortly after launching the “Life DisRPted” campaign.
Sharing his story provides the veteran NHL goalie an opportunity to assist others in recognizing whether they may be experiencing this chronic condition, potentially alleviating both physical and mental distress while navigating symptoms.
“The difficult part for me at the beginning was when I received my diagnosis, just weeks away from returning to the NHL following open heart surgery. I was prepared to come back, and then this diagnosis hit me—there were so many unknowns,” Lundqvist recalls. “I had no idea how long recovery would take or what my future looked like.”
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The disease is characterized by severe chest pain that often worsens when lying down or inhaling, and may also lead to dry cough, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, and fever. It is frequently misdiagnosed initially. When Lundqvist first experienced similar symptoms, he believed they were a complication from his recent heart surgery.
“I had no idea what it was,” he admits. “I assumed it was linked to my surgery. I was experiencing intense pain in my chest and back, feeling nauseous, and I was constantly fatigued.”
Nevertheless, Dr. Antonio Abbate, a prominent specialist in recurrent pericarditis at UVA Health, explains to PEOPLE that the surgery may have simply triggered the autoinflammatory disease, leading to an exacerbation in Lundqvist’s body.
“The initial injury leads to inflammation, creating a vicious cycle that persists unless treated with targeted therapies,” Dr. Abbate clarifies.
Henrik Lundqvist with daughters Charlise and Juli Lundqvist.
Bruce Bennett/Getty
Lundqvist reports having experienced approximately four to five flare-ups since gaining control over the disease and receiving an official diagnosis in 2021. “The challenging aspect of RP is that you can’t predict when it will strike,” Lundqvist mentions. “You’re uncertain if you’ve overexerted yourself during exercise, yet you recognize the symptoms when they arise. Currently, I feel excellent. After a few weeks of recovery
“In terms of the activities I can engage in,”
for the seasoned hockey veteran of 20 years, the hardest realization was acknowledging that it was no longer safe for him to play at a professional level.
“At that moment, I was uncertain if I had made the right choice,’ he reflects. “I simply recognized the immense challenge of attempting a comeback, and I was eager to do so. However, in retrospect, I can confidently say it was the correct decision, particularly considering how things have unfolded over the past few years.”
Henrik Lundqvist.
Bruce Bennett/Getty
Lundqvist admits he misses the game. “Absolutely,” he states. “However, retiring also brings numerous benefits, such as having more time to explore other pursuits.”
There are indeed many activities that keep him occupied off the ice. Lundqvist enjoys the opportunity to spend more quality time with his wife, Therese Andersson, and their daughters—Charlise, 12, and Juli, 9—all of whom return to Sweden for visits every summer. In addition, the former NHL star began working as a studio analyst for TNT in 2021 and serves as a broadcaster for his old team, the New York Rangers, on the MSG Network. Nevertheless, when it comes to coaching in the NHL, the retired Ranger quickly dismisses the idea: “That’s a firm no,” he laughs.
“Upon retirement, you suddenly take control of your own schedule,” Lundqvist explains, as he now nurtures his athletic passion through casual tennis matches. “From the age of 16, hockey dictated my time, but now, I genuinely feel in command. I have the freedom to choose my activities, set my own timetable, and focus on my family and friends. That’s something I’m unwilling to relinquish.”
Although he was unable to retire on his own terms, Lundqvist has made peace with how his illustrious career ended. “In my perspective, my life is perfect,” he shares, three years after his diagnosis with RP raised concerns about his physical lifestyle. “It truly is. I remain active, I have my family, and I’m engaged in many positive endeavors.”
Henrik Lundqvist: From NHL Legend to Advocate for Recurrent Pericarditis Awareness
Who is Henrik Lundqvist?
Henrik Lundqvist, known as “King Henrik,” is a retired Swedish ice hockey goaltender who played 15 seasons in the NHL, primarily for the New York Rangers. Renowned for his exceptional skills on the ice, Lundqvist has left an indelible mark on the sport, earning accolades such as the Vezina Trophy and multiple All-Star selections. His career, however, took a significant turn when health concerns forced him to retire in 2021.
The Diagnosis: Recurrent Pericarditis
In early 2021, Lundqvist was diagnosed with a serious heart condition known as recurrent pericarditis, an illness characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause severe chest pain and other symptoms, making it critical for athletes and non-athletes alike to recognize and address early signs. Lundqvist’s diagnosis not only changed his life but also sparked a desire to raise awareness about heart health, particularly in athletes.
Understanding Recurrent Pericarditis
Recurrent pericarditis is a condition that often follows an initial episode of pericarditis. Here are some key points about the condition:
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include sharp chest pain, which may worsen with deep breaths or coughing, fever, and fatigue.
- Causes: It can be triggered by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or as a complication of heart surgery.
- Diagnosis: Physicians typically diagnose recurrent pericarditis through physical exams, imaging tests (like echocardiograms), and blood tests.
- Treatment: Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies may be necessary.
Henrik Lundqvist’s Advocacy Work
After his retirement, Lundqvist transitioned from being an NHL legend to a health advocate, using his platform to educate others about heart conditions. His personal journey has inspired many, and he has actively participated in campaigns to raise awareness about recurrent pericarditis and general heart health.
Key Initiatives
- Public Speaking: Lundqvist has spoken at various events, sharing his story and emphasizing the importance of regular health check-ups.
- Social Media Campaigns: He utilizes platforms like Instagram and Twitter to reach a broader audience, providing tips on heart health and promoting awareness.
- Partnerships with Health Organizations: Lundqvist collaborates with organizations focused on heart health to spread valuable information and resources.
Personal Experience with Heart Health
In a recent interview, Lundqvist shared his firsthand experience of dealing with recurrent pericarditis. He expressed how the diagnosis was initially overwhelming but also highlighted the importance of being proactive about one’s health. “I learned that listening to your body is crucial,” he said, urging fans and fellow athletes to pay attention to any unusual symptoms.
Benefits of Awareness and Early Detection
Raising awareness about recurrent pericarditis has several benefits, particularly for athletes:
- Improved Health Outcomes: Early detection can lead to timely treatment and better management of the condition.
- Informed Decisions: Athletes can make better-informed decisions regarding their health and playing careers.
- Encouragement to Seek Help: Increased awareness encourages individuals to consult healthcare professionals if they experience symptoms.
Practical Tips for Heart Health
Here are some practical tips that Lundqvist advocates for maintaining heart health:
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule annual physicals to monitor heart health.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise can improve heart function and overall well-being.
- Healthy Diet: Incorporate heart-healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart-related issues.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Case Studies: Athletes and Heart Conditions
Many athletes have faced similar health challenges, shining a light on the importance of heart health awareness:
| Athlete | Condition | Awareness Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Henrik Lundqvist | Recurrent Pericarditis | Public speaking, social media campaigns |
| Derrick Rose | Knee injuries | Advocacy for mental health awareness in athletes |
| Chris Bosh | Blood clots | Heart health advocacy, promoting regular check-ups |
Conclusion
Henrik Lundqvist’s journey from NHL legend to health advocate serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health and awareness. By sharing his story and promoting education on recurrent pericarditis, Lundqvist is helping to pave the way for better understanding and management of heart conditions in athletes and beyond.
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