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NORWICH, UK – Taking the stairs instead of the elevator could be a simple yet powerful step towards a longer and healthier life, according to new research. A comprehensive analysis presented at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), revealed a significant link between stair climbing and a reduced risk of dying from any cause, particularly from cardiovascular disease.
The study, a meta-analysis pooling data from nine previous studies involving over 480,000 participants, found that individuals who regularly climbed stairs had a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who did not. The benefit was even more pronounced for heart health, with stair climbers showing a 39% lower likelihood of dying from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
“If you have the choice of taking the stairs or the lift, go for the stairs as it will help your heart,” advised study author Dr. Sophie Paddock, representing the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust in Norwich, UK. “Even brief bursts of physical activity have beneficial health impacts, and short bouts of stair climbing should be an achievable target to integrate into daily routines.”
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally, yet much of it is preventable through lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity. Despite this, global health statistics indicate that more than a quarter of adults worldwide do not meet recommended exercise levels. Stair climbing presents a practical, no-cost, and readily accessible form of exercise that can be incorporated into everyday life.
The research team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, carefully selecting the most robust studies available on the topic. The final analysis included data from 480,479 participants, ranging in age from 35 to 84 years, with a slight majority (53%) being women. The study population was diverse, encompassing both healthy individuals and those with a history of heart attack or peripheral arterial disease. Importantly, the positive association between stair climbing and longevity held regardless of the number of stairs climbed or the speed of ascent in the included studies.
Dr. Paddock emphasized the practical implications of the findings: “Based on these results, we would encourage people to incorporate stair climbing into their day-to-day lives. Our study suggested that the more stairs climbed, the greater the benefits – but this needs to be confirmed. So, whether at work, home, or elsewhere, take the stairs.”
The findings underscore the potential impact of integrating simple, moderate physical activity into daily routines to combat sedentary behaviour and improve cardiovascular health and overall longevity.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on research presented at a scientific conference. While the findings suggest significant health benefits associated with stair climbing, individuals, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to their physical activity levels.
