Daily stair climbing linked to lower risk of heart disease death
Key Points:
- Climbing stairs is associated with a 39% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 24% lower risk of death from any cause, based on an analysis of over 480,000 people across nine studies.
- The activity may reduce the likelihood of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, offering both cardiovascular and strength-building benefits.
- Climbing about six flights of stairs daily may provide the greatest health benefits, though even small amounts of stair climbing showed measurable positive effects.
- Stair climbing is a cost-free, accessible form of exercise that can be incorporated into daily routines, especially for those with limited time or access to traditional exercise options.
- Researchers caution that stair climbing may not be suitable for individuals with mobility or joint issues and emphasize that the findings show an association rather than a direct cause-effect relationship.