Sun, Aug 09, 2026 page3

• Chairman’s death flags heart risks

  • By Fion Khan / Staff writer
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  Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) chairman Frank Huang’s (黃崇仁) death last month has publicly highlighted the risks of heart disease.

  Huang, 76, died in his sleep at home on July 31 from cardiac and pulmonary failure, according to a statement the company filed with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), where PSMC shares are traded.

  Cardiologist Liu Chung-ping (劉中平), director of Yu Pin Clinic, wrote on the clinic’s Web site that symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, a rapid heartbeat, limb swelling and persistent fatigue.

  

  A person holds their chest in an undated photograph.

  Photo: CNA

  Heart failure can result from dysfunction of either the right or left ventricle, with symptoms varying depending on the side, he said.

  Right-sided heart failure is commonly associated with swelling in the lower limbs, enlargement of the liver and spleen and shortness of breath, while left-sided heart failure often causes pulmonary edema, shortness of breath, nighttime coughing and insomnia, he said.

  Heart failure can also be classified as either low-output or high-output, he said.

  While low-output heart failure caused by reduced myocardial contractility is most common, some people with normal cardiac function develop high-output heart failure, he said.

  The latter occurs when underlying conditions, such as thyroid disorders or anemia, place metabolic demands on the body that the heart cannot sustain, he said.

  For people diagnosed with heart disease, medical treatment should be combined with lifestyle adjustments, he said. They should restrict their intake of salt and fluids, avoid unhealthy habits that place additional strain on the heart, maintain regular sleep schedules, quit smoking and reduce consumption of fatty and sugary foods, he said.

  While shortness of breath can make physical activity difficult, gradual exercise programs, particularly when supervised by healthcare professionals, can improve physical fitness and quality of life, he said.

  Young people should undergo screening if warning signs emerge, particularly if they have a heart murmur, which could indicate congenital heart disease or valve abnormalities, he said.

  Those who frequently experience heart palpitations or dizziness should have their thyroid function and hemoglobin levels checked to rule out endocrine disorders or anemia, he added.

  Middle-aged adults should closely monitor risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar, he said, adding that prescribed medication, a healthy diet and exercise could reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and help maintain overall cardiovascular health.

  Elderly people should pay attention to changes in mobility and breathing patterns, as declining heart and lung function is often mistakenly dismissed as a normal part of aging, he said.

  If they begin walking more slowly, experience nighttime wheezing or have difficulty sleeping, an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram should be arranged to detect possible heart failure at an early stage, he said.

  Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining healthy sleep habits, monitoring blood pressure and controlling body weight are among the simplest ways to prevent heart disease, he said.

  People should avoid chronic sleep deprivation and excessive stress, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, and consider adding nuts and fish oils to their diets to help maintain cardiovascular elasticity, he said.

  Keeping records of blood pressure and body weight measurements taken at home is one of the easiest ways to monitor for early warning signs of heart problems, he added.
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