Mr. Zhang, Over 40, Suffers Heart Attack While Tutoring His Son for High School Entrance Exams

Mr. Zhang, in his 40s, from Zhejiang Province, suddenly experienced shortness of breath and chest pain while helping his son prepare for the high school entrance exams.

One evening in early December, tensions escalated during a heated argument between father and son. Mr. Zhang's health took a sudden turn for the worse. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery, narrowly escaping death.

 

Doctors revealed that Zhang had suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack), triggered by coronary artery disease aggravated by emotional stress, which led to a severe and acute condition.

Zhang's son is preparing for the high school entrance exams, a notoriously intense and competitive process in China. To support his son, Zhang enrolled him in cram schools, chauffeured him daily, and supervised his homework closely.

This father is among many Chinese parents hospitalized due to health issues stemming from the stress of assisting their children with academics.

In February, another man in Zhejiang developed retinal disease, a condition causing blurred or distorted vision, after becoming frustrated with urging his son to complete homework.

In 2018, a 33-year-old mother from Jiangsu Province in eastern China suffered a stroke caused by stress when her daughter took too long to finish her assignments.

In China, many teachers delegate homework guidance to parents, who often perceive their children’s academic performance as a reflection of their own success.

Parents frequently push their children to excel, viewing the National College Entrance Examination (gaokao) as the only path to a successful future.

Chinese education expert Ling Zongwei advises parents to manage their emotions, foster a healthier learning environment, and encourage children to take responsibility for their homework and academic achievements.