Taking the stairs could protect your heart and help you live longer
Simply choosing the stairs could have surprisingly big benefits for your heart and longevity. A large analysis involving more than 480,000 people found that regular stair climbers were 39% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 24% less likely to die from any cause than people who rarely took the stairs. They also had lower risks of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
A University of East Anglia study reveals that taking the stairs may significantly improve heart health and longevity. Analyzing data from over 480,000 participants across nine high-quality studies, researchers found that individuals who frequently climbed stairs were 39% less likely to die from heart-related causes and 24% less likely to die overall compared to those who rarely used stairs.
Dr. Sophie Paddock, a cardiology specialist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, explained that stair climbing is a simple, everyday activity that can be easily incorporated into daily routines at home, work, or while traveling. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, but it is largely preventable through a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Prof Vassiliou emphasized that even brief stair climbing bouts several times a week can boost cardiorespiratory fitness and lower cholesterol levels. While the ideal amount of stair climbing remains unclear, the research suggests that even small changes can have measurable health benefits, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease at a population level.
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