Exercise should be prescribed as a foundational component of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and treatment, according to a new American College of Cardiology Scientific Statement published today in JACC, its flagship journal. The statement emphasizes that the greatest reduction in cardiovascular risk occurs when sedentary individuals become even modestly more active, and the best exercise prescription is one that is safe, individualized, achievable and sustainable over time.
Low cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of future CVD that is on par with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes; however, exercise prescription is inconsistently integrated into routine cardiovascular care. The scientific statement highlights extensive evidence showing that regular physical activity, structured exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness improve exercise capacity, reduce hospitalization and enhance quality of life.
“The most important message is that some activity is better than none,” Jonathan N. Myers, PhD, a health research scientist with the Palo Alto VA Healthcare system and chair of the statement’s writing committee, said. “Patients do not need to become athletes to improve their cardiovascular health. Small increases in physical activity can produce meaningful benefits, particularly for those who are currently inactive.”
For example, the statement highlights growing evidence that meaningful cardiovascular benefits can be achieved with fewer than 10,000 daily steps. Data suggest that approximately 5,000 to 7,000 steps/day are associated with clinically important improvements and substantial reductions in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality for many adults.
Key recommendations and considerations in the statement include:
The authors also call for greater integration of exercise counseling into routine cardiovascular care, expanded access to cardiac rehabilitation and additional research on strategies that improve long-term adherence to physical activity.
“Exercise is one of the most effective therapies available for preventing and managing CVD, yet it remains underutilized in routine care,” Myers said. “This statement provides clinicians with practical tools to help patients safely incorporate exercise into their treatment plans and improve long-term cardiovascular health.”
For an embargoed copy of the scientific statement, “Exercise Prescriptions for Cardiovascular Health in Adults: 2026 ACC Scientific Statement,” contact ACC Media Relations Director Nicole Napoli at nnapoli@acc.org.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
The ACC’s JACC Journals rank among the top cardiovascular journals in the world for scientific impact. The flagship journal, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology ( JACC) — and specialty journals consisting of JACC: Advances, JACC: Asia, JACC: Basic to Translational Science, JACC: CardioOncology, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging , JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions , JACC: Case Reports, JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology and JACC: Heart Failure — pride themselves on publishing the top peer-reviewed research on all aspects of cardiovascular disease. Learn more at JACC .org .
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Journal of the American College of Cardiology