Tet Nguyen Dan is a time for family members to gather around warm meals. Master, Doctor Dinh Vu Phuong Thao, from the Department of Cardiology at Tam Anh General Hospital in TP HCM, advises heart patients to avoid or limit certain foods and beverages listed below.

Banh chung and banh tet

Banh chung and banh tet are two traditional Tet cakes made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, often containing a significant amount of fatty pork. These foods have high levels of starch and fat. Consuming too much of these can increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol in heart patients. Many also enjoy fried banh chung and banh tet. The oil content in these dishes increases the risk of dyslipidemia and high blood pressure, harming cardiovascular health.

Pickled vegetables and pickled small leeks

Pickled small leeks and pickled vegetables are often served with banh chung and banh tet to stimulate digestion, enhance appetite, and balance the meal. However, these dishes contain high amounts of salt and sugar. Excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure and lead to heart failure. Sugar contributes to high blood sugar, metabolic disorders, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Cured sausages, ham, and cold cuts

During preservation, ham, cold cuts, and cured sausages are often prepared with a large amount of salt. Consuming too much of these leads to excess sodium, which can make hypertension uncontrollable. These foods also contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, negatively impacting cardiovascular health.

Jellied pork and braised pork

Many families prepare one pot of jellied pork or braised pork with eggs to eat throughout Tet. The main ingredients for these two dishes are pork belly, pork skin, and eggs. Excessive consumption can lead to a large intake of saturated fat, harming cardiovascular health and increasing bad cholesterol.

Candied fruits

Jams and candied fruits often contain numerous additives and preservatives, which are not healthy. Some candied fruits, such as fried sweet potato jam and fried banana jam, also contain saturated fat, increasing bad cholesterol and harming cardiovascular health. Heart patients should replace traditional candied fruits with nuts: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, or low-sugar fresh fruits like: oranges, grapefruits, and dragon fruits.

Alcohol and soft drinks

Alcohol can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, straining the heart and raising the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. Artificial sweeteners in soft drinks and carbonated beverages elevate blood sugar and disrupt the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health.

Heart patients should ensure adequate hydration, maintain regular exercise, get sufficient sleep, avoid excessive anxiety and stress, and keep warm in cold weather. Schedule follow-up appointments before or immediately after Tet to ensure uninterrupted treatment. If symptoms such as fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Thu Ha