The American Heart Association (AHA) has released a new scientific statement encouraging doctors to give a different kind of prescription to many patients: exercise. The goal is simple but powerful—help people move more, sit less, and improve their heart health before serious problems develop.
Heart disease and stroke remain two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Many adults develop risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol long before they experience any symptoms.
Doctors often monitor these conditions and sometimes prescribe medication, but health experts say lifestyle changes can be just as important, especially in the early stages.
The AHA’s new recommendation focuses on adults who have slightly elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels but are otherwise healthy. For these individuals, increasing daily physical activity may significantly improve their health and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
According to the AHA, about 21% of adults in the United States—roughly 53 million people—have mildly elevated blood pressure.
At the same time, around 28% of adults, or about 71 million people, have slightly high cholesterol levels. Many of these people are not yet at high risk for heart attacks or strokes, which means early lifestyle changes could make a big difference.
Instead of immediately relying on medications, the AHA suggests that doctors help patients build healthier daily habits. One key idea is for doctors to write exercise “prescriptions.” Just like a prescription for medicine, these plans would clearly describe how much activity patients should aim for and what types of movement may help them most.
The approach goes beyond simply telling people to exercise more. Doctors would also help connect patients with community support, such as fitness programs, health coaches, or local exercise groups. These resources can make it easier for people to stay motivated and build long-term habits.
The AHA also recommends that doctors ask about physical activity during every health visit. By making movement a regular topic during check-ups, doctors can remind patients how important daily activity is for preventing disease. Even small increases in activity can bring real health benefits.
Research shows that regular physical activity can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 3 to 4 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
It can also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” by around 3 to 6 milligrams per deciliter. These numbers may sound small, but over time they can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Another important message from the AHA is that progress does not need to be dramatic to be meaningful. Small lifestyle changes can add up. Simple actions such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking during work breaks, or parking farther away from store entrances can increase daily activity levels.
The organization encourages doctors to recognize and celebrate these small achievements with their patients. Positive encouragement may help people feel more confident and motivated to continue improving their habits.
Current federal physical activity guidelines recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or dancing fall into this category. Another option is 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, such as running, swimming laps, or fast cycling.
In addition to aerobic exercise, strength training is also important. Health experts recommend doing muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week. These can include weightlifting, resistance exercises, or bodyweight movements such as push-ups and squats.
The scientific evidence supporting these recommendations is strong. Studies show that people who stay physically active have about a 21% lower risk of developing heart disease compared with inactive individuals. They also have about a 36% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases.
Because of these benefits, the AHA wants doctors to view movement as a powerful form of medicine. Physical activity should be treated as an essential part of healthcare, just like medications or medical treatments.
Preventing high blood pressure is possible when people adopt healthy lifestyle habits. One of the most important steps is maintaining a healthy body weight. Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure over time. Even modest weight loss can help reduce this pressure.
Regular exercise plays another major role in prevention. When the heart becomes stronger through physical activity, it can pump blood more efficiently. This reduces the force placed on arteries and helps keep blood pressure at healthier levels.
Diet also has a major impact on heart health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products can support healthy blood pressure levels. Reducing salt intake is particularly important, as high sodium levels can raise blood pressure. Many doctors recommend the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.
Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking are also key steps. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, while smoking damages blood vessels and raises the risk of heart disease.
Managing stress is another factor that should not be overlooked. Long-term stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga may help people relax and reduce stress levels.
Sleep also plays an important role in heart health. People who regularly sleep less than seven hours per night may have a higher risk of high blood pressure and other heart-related problems.
Monitoring blood pressure regularly is also important. Home blood pressure monitors and regular doctor visits can help people track their progress and identify potential problems early.
Researchers are also exploring new ways to support healthy blood pressure. For example, some studies suggest that early time-restricted eating—where meals are eaten earlier in the day—may help improve blood pressure levels. Other research indicates that diets rich in plant-based foods, such as leafy greens and whole grains, may support heart health.
At the same time, experts warn that some habits may increase health risks. For instance, some studies suggest that marijuana use may raise the risk of death among people who already have high blood pressure.
The AHA’s new statement highlights a simple but powerful message: moving more every day can protect the heart. By encouraging doctors to prescribe physical activity, health experts hope millions of people can improve their blood pressure and cholesterol levels before serious disease develops.
The research supporting this approach was led by Bethany Barone Gibbs and published in the journal Hypertension. It provides strong evidence that regular movement, combined with healthy lifestyle choices, can be one of the most effective tools for protecting heart health.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
