Climbing stairs regularly linked to lower heart disease death risk: study

Regular stair climbing could reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by up to 39 percent compared with not using stairs, according to a review led by British researchers. The analysis examined existing studies on stair climbing and heart health, finding that the activity combines aerobic exercise with muscle strengthening, which may help lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Sophie Paddock, a researcher at the University of East Anglia, said stair climbing is a simple activity that can be incorporated easily into daily routines at home, at work or while moving around, without requiring dedicated workout time. She noted that choosing stairs over elevators represents a small habit change that could help increase physical activity and support cardiovascular health. The findings, drawn from a review of prior research, suggest that short bursts of stair climbing integrated into everyday movement may offer measurable cardiovascular benefits. No specific policy recommendations or public health guidelines were announced alongside the study.