In a forward-thinking effort to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, the American Heart Association (AHA) is urging doctors to take a more active role in encouraging healthy habits—literally.
Their new guidance recommends that healthcare professionals “prescribe” exercise to adults who have slightly high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, even if they’re not yet considered at high risk for serious heart problems.
This advice comes at a time when millions of Americans are living with mild elevations in blood pressure or cholesterol. About 21% of U.S. adults—around 53 million people—have blood pressure that’s just above the normal range.
Meanwhile, nearly 71 million adults, or 28% of the population, have mildly elevated cholesterol. These individuals are not yet in the danger zone, but small lifestyle changes now could make a big difference in preventing future health problems.
Rather than turning to medication immediately, the AHA suggests that doctors talk to patients about physical activity during regular visits and even write exercise “prescriptions.”
These would include specific activity goals and referrals to community resources like fitness programs or health coaches. The goal is to make exercise a routine part of care, just like checking blood pressure or prescribing medicine.
This recommendation is supported by strong evidence. Studies show that even small increases in physical activity can help lower blood pressure by 3 to 4 mmHg and reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol by 3 to 6 mg/dL.
These changes may seem minor, but they have a meaningful impact on long-term heart health. Physically active people are 21% less likely to develop heart disease and have a 36% lower risk of dying from heart-related causes compared to those who are inactive.
The AHA encourages doctors and patients to celebrate every small step toward becoming more active—whether it’s taking the stairs, walking more each day, or spending less time sitting.
The current federal guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running), plus two sessions of strength training each week.
Exercise is just one part of the picture. To keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check, the AHA also highlights the importance of other lifestyle changes:
Maintaining a healthy weight is key, as extra weight puts extra strain on the heart. Eating a balanced diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy—can help lower blood pressure naturally. It’s also important to limit salt, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and processed foods.
Other important habits include limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or simply regular movement. Getting at least seven hours of good-quality sleep each night also plays a big role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Lastly, regular check-ups and blood pressure screenings are essential. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so monitoring it can catch problems early—before they lead to serious complications.
The AHA’s new advice reflects a growing understanding that medicine alone isn’t always the best first step. When people make simple, consistent lifestyle changes—especially increasing physical activity—they can often prevent the need for medication altogether. And for those already at higher risk, these changes can still offer major benefits alongside medical treatment.
This shift toward personalized, preventive care is a reminder that even small daily choices—like taking a walk—can help protect your heart and extend your life.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
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