Stair climbing linked to lower cardiovascular death risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the ‘American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs’ suggests that regular stair climbing is linked to significant health benefits and increased longevity. The study analyzed data from nine high-quality studies involving over 480,000 participants, aged 35 to 84, over an average period of 14 years.

Researchers found that individuals who frequently use stairs have a 39% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 24% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who use them rarely. The activity is associated with a reduced likelihood of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure.

Vassilios Vassiliou, a professor at Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia, noted that stair climbing is a practical, often overlooked way to integrate movement into daily life. Medical experts, including cardiologist Paul Drury, emphasized that such physical activity helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy body weight.