Louie Shum’s death: heart disease in Hong Kong and what to do in an emergency

The death of veteran Hong Kong stock market commentator Louie Shum Chun-ying has drawn public attention to heart disease, after a police source revealed he had a history of the condition as well as diabetes.

Heart disease was one of the leading causes of death in Hong Kong, with more than 6,500 fatalities recorded in 2024, according to the Department of Health.

While patients must monitor their health and seek timely medical care, a local cardiologist stressed that bystanders could also render aid when someone fell ill or collapsed, before an ambulance arrived.

The South China Morning Post examines heart disease trends in the city and how to respond in an emergency.

What happened to Louie Shum?

The commentator, known as “Master Shum”, worked in the financial and securities industry for over three decades. He remained active on internet radio shows after retiring as chief executive of stock brokerage Sincere Securities two years ago.

An insider said Shum suddenly collapsed on Saturday night as he walked to a taxi rank in Wan Chai after visiting a friend’s home.

A passer-by called emergency services. Shum was unconscious when taken to Ruttonjee Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 9pm.

Police did not consider the case suspicious, and the exact cause of death was subject to autopsy results, according to the source.

The insider added that Shum had been diagnosed with heart disease and diabetes, and regularly received treatment at St Teresa’s Hospital in Kowloon City.

How common is heart disease in Hong Kong?

According to the Department of Health website, heart disease was the third most common cause of death in the city in 2024, accounting for 6,594 deaths, or 12.6 per cent of all registered fatalities. Coronary heart disease made up 52.9 per cent of those deaths.

Coronary heart disease occurs when cholesterol layers deposit on the inner wall of coronary arteries, narrowing the lumens of the arteries, reducing blood supply to cardiac muscle and causing chest pain during exertion.

The website also cited the 2020-22 population health survey, which found that 1.6 per cent of persons aged 15 or above reported doctor-diagnosed coronary heart disease.

The survey showed the prevalence of coronary heart disease was higher in men than in women, and also increased with age.

What are the symptoms?

Patients with coronary heart disease often experience central crushing chest pain after physical effort, which may radiate to the arms, shoulders, neck or jaw. Rest typically helps relieve this pain.

During a heart attack, however, the pain becomes severe and prolonged, accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, sweating, nausea and general weakness.

Heart failure can also cause breathlessness and swelling in both legs.

While a heart attack can strike suddenly, cardiologist Dr Duncan Ho Hung-kwong noted that some patients experience warning signs days in advance, including chest discomfort, indigestion or breathing difficulty.

“The symptoms may ease after a while, but anyone experiencing severe discomfort should seek immediate medical attention,” Ho said.

What should you do during a heart attack?

In the event of a heart attack, the patient should immediately alert people nearby and call 999.

Ho advised that individuals trained in first aid should place the patient in the recovery position – on their side – to keep the airway clear.

He added that members of the public should use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, if available.

The device analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and delivers electric shocks if needed to restore a normal heartbeat.

According to the government, cardiopulmonary resuscitation coupled with the use of an AED is the most effective way to save a person suffering cardiac arrest.

How can heart disease be prevented?

To prevent heart disease, Ho advised maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing mental stress, which can trigger acute cardiac events.

He warned that viral infections such as the flu could cause systemic inflammation, raising the risk of a heart attack.

A history of strokes, high blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels were also risk factors, he stressed.

Ho also urged adults aged 30 or above to undergo regular health check-ups to detect and treat underlying conditions early.