Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 hr ago
ACC guidance says 7,000 daily steps can benefit heart health
The American College of Cardiology issued guidance on exercise and heart health for healthy adults and people with cardiovascular disease.
It draws on existing research and covers conditions including heart failure, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
The guidance says adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
A review cited in the statement found that about 7,000 daily steps were linked to lower mortality risk than 2,000 steps a day.
The biggest reductions in cardiovascular risk may come when inactive people become even modestly active.
The ACC also recommends resistance training at least twice a week, while older adults who are frail should begin with strength, balance, mobility and flexibility exercises.
The guidance supports tailoring exercise to each person's health and ability, and reaffirms cardiac rehabilitation as first-line care for eligible patients after certain heart events or procedures.
The American College of Cardiology says about 7,000 daily steps are associated with lower cardiovascular and overall mortality risk.
The association was a 47% lower risk compared with taking 2,000 steps daily.
The ACC statement recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week for healthy adults and people with stable chronic cardiovascular disease.
It also recommends resistance training at least twice a week alongside aerobic exercise.
The guidance emphasizes tailoring exercise to individual needs and gradually increasing activity.
- Who
- The American College of Cardiology (ACC) issued the guidance.
- What
- Its scientific statement offers exercise recommendations for cardiovascular health. It reports that about 7,000 daily steps are associated with lower mortality risk.
- When
- The statement was developed by a committee convened in April 2026. The publication date of the statement is not stated.
- Where
- The statement was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
- Why
- It aims to give clinicians practical, evidence-based recommendations for tailoring exercise to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A multidisciplinary ACC writing committee convened to develop the scientific statement.
The statement was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
- Daily steps
- About 7,000
- Mortality risk
- 47% lower than at 2,000 daily steps
- Moderate-intensity activity
- At least 150 minutes per week
- Vigorous activity
- At least 75 minutes per week
- Resistance training
- At least twice weekly