A new American College of Cardiology scientific statement recommends exercise as a foundational element for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.
Key facts
- •The American College of Cardiology statement was published in the journal JACC.
- •Low cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of cardiovascular disease on par with smoking and diabetes.
- •Approximately 5,000 to 7,000 steps daily are linked to significant improvements in cardiovascular health.
- •Cardiac rehabilitation remains a first-line treatment, though access is often limited by insurance reimbursement.
- •Jonathan N. Myers, chair of the writing committee, stated that exercise is an underutilized therapy in routine care.
A new scientific statement from the American College of Cardiology, published in JACC, argues that exercise should be a core component of cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. The authors emphasize that even modest increases in physical activity for sedentary individuals can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.
Benefits of Physical Activity
The statement notes that low cardiorespiratory fitness is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease comparable to smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular physical activity and structured exercise are shown to improve exercise capacity, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance quality of life.
Individualized Exercise Prescriptions
Researchers suggest that exercise prescriptions should be tailored to a patient's specific cardiovascular condition, symptoms, and goals. While cardiac rehabilitation is considered a first-line treatment, the authors recommend that patients unable to access formal programs still receive individualized exercise guidance. Resistance training is recommended to complement aerobic exercise for most adults.
Practical Implementation
The report highlights that patients do not need to become athletes to see benefits; for many adults, 5,000 to 7,000 steps per day are associated with substantial reductions in mortality. Tools such as wearable devices and home-based programs may assist with long-term adherence. Furthermore, the statement clarifies that routine exercise testing is not required for most stable or asymptomatic individuals before beginning an exercise regimen.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Medical Xpress.
