sounds like it was the shock of the chokehold which caused a chainreaction to a massive heart attack,

however, in my professional opinion, I believe it's much more humane to chokeout a violent or uncooperative patron than punchout them - once a chokehold is applied, patrons that are watching often assume that the bouncer is skilled at martial arts, and feel safer

also, i'm positive more fatailities have been caused via striking opponents than choking them

again, just my opinion