Cardiologist Reveals the “#1 Exercise” to Help Prevent a Heart Attack
There isn’t one exercise that can guarantee prevention of a heart attack. But if you want one simple, accessible choice, brisk walking is an excellent option for most adults.
Regular physical activity lowers cardiovascular risk, and the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week—brisk walking is one example.
🚶 How to make walking count
- Aim for about 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
- If you’re inactive, start with 10–15 minutes and gradually increase.
- Moderate intensity means you’re breathing harder and your heart rate is elevated, but you can still talk.
- You don’t have to do it all at once; shorter periods of activity can add up.
💪 Walking isn’t the whole story
For broader cardiovascular and physical benefits, combine aerobic activity with muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 days per week.
And remember that exercise is only one part of prevention. Not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy diet, managing diabetes, and maintaining a healthy weight also matter substantially.
⚠️ Start safely
If you have known heart disease or have been inactive for a long time, talk with your healthcare professional before beginning vigorous exercise. Chest pressure/pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or unusual dizziness during exercise warrants stopping and getting medical attention.
