Climbing Stairs May Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Regular stair climbing is associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. This is according to the results of a large new analysis presented at the European Society of Cardiology Scientific Congress.
More than a quarter of the world's adults do not meet recommended physical activity levels. Researchers note that something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator may be one way to increase daily physical activity.
Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Researchers from the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital found that people who regularly climbed stairs had a 39% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 24% lower risk of death from any cause, compared to those who did so less frequently.
Regular stair climbers also had a lower risk of developing serious cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
According to Professor Vasilios Vasiliou of the Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia, climbing stairs is an accessible way to incorporate physical activity into your daily life.
Data From Over 480,000 People
For their analysis, the researchers examined data from over 480,000 participants aged 35 to 84. The study was based on the results of nine high-quality studies with an average follow-up period of 14 years.
The researchers emphasize that stair climbing does not require special equipment or dedicated training time and can be part of daily activity at home, work, or in public spaces.
Even a Few Minutes of Activity
According to the data presented, a few minutes of stair climbing several times a week can help improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lower cholesterol levels.
Some of the studies analyzed showed a correlation between the number of stair climbs and the magnitude of the beneficial effect. However, measurable changes were also observed with modest increases in physical activity.
The researchers believe that their findings highlight the importance of daily physical activity in promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing cardiovascular risk.
