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The simple choice between an elevator and a staircase could have implications for long-term health. A new review and meta-analysis found that regularly climbing stairs was linked to improved cardiovascular health and a lower risk of dying prematurely.
Beyond reducing the risk of dying from heart disease, stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The results reinforce previous research showing that even brief bouts of movement can support cardiovascular health. Research has also found that a few minutes of stair climbing can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and help lower cholesterol.
The analysis covered nine studies involving more than 450,000 adults between the ages of 35 and 84. Participants included both healthy individuals and those with a history of heart attack or peripheral artery disease. Overall, stair climbing was consistently associated with lower risks of both cardiovascular disease and overall mortality.
The findings found that the benefits increased as people climbed more stairs, although even small amounts of stair climbing were associated with meaningful benefits. The researchers also pointed out that people who take the stairs regularly may tend to have healthier lifestyles overall, including higher levels of physical activity and better fitness, which could influence the results.
Stair climbing packs a relatively high level of physical activity into just a few minutes. It raises your heart rate and forces your muscles to work against gravity, increasing both energy use and the demand on your cardiovascular system. For people who have limited time or few opportunities to exercise, taking the stairs can be an easy way to add more movement to the day. When given the choice between the stairs and the elevator, choosing the stairs can give your heart an extra boost.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Evaluating the Impact of Stair Climbing on Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
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