How Did Mysterious Illnesses Affect the Reigns and Downfalls of Notorious Dictators Throughout History?

Similarly, Mao Zedong's health was a topic of speculation among both his inner circle and the global community. Mao suffered from various ailments throughout his life, including heart disease and respiratory problems. As he aged, he also battled with the effects of long-term smoking and high blood pressure. Reports of his declining health were often downplayed by the state-run media, but it is believed that his failing health influenced his decision to transfer power to a committee system, ultimately setting the stage for the Cultural Revolution.