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

LONDON — Researchers at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom found that regularly climbing stairs reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 39 percent and from any cause by 24 percent. The analysis drew on data from nine studies covering more than 450,000 people aged 35 to 84, who were tracked for an average of 14 years. Cardiologist Sophie Paddock, one of the researchers, said climbing stairs can be easily incorporated into daily routines, unlike visits to a gym. The team noted that stair climbing demands more muscle power than walking on level ground, which speeds up energy use and raises heart rate, and that the muscles' effort to maintain balance and posture helps build strength. The study suggested that climbing about six flights, or roughly 60 steps, a day could benefit heart health. The researchers said further studies are needed to clarify how often stair climbing should be performed daily to deliver measurable benefits.