Xantha Leatham Science Associate Editor
April 26, 2024 14:00, updated April 26, 2024 14:22
While it may be tempting to take the elevator, research suggests you can really live longer if you choose the stairs.
Scientists wanted to investigate whether climbing stairs as a form of physical activity could play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and early death.
They conducted a large-scale analysis of nine previous studies and nearly 500,000 people aged 35 to 84.
Participants participated in the study regardless of the number of stairs they climbed or how fast they climbed them, but the study population included both healthy participants and those with a history of heart attack or heart disease.
The analysis found that compared to not climbing stairs, climbing stairs was associated with a 24% lower risk of death from any cause over 14 years and a 39% lower risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. It was revealed that there was a decrease.
“As sedentary behavior and its associated health risks become increasingly prevalent, there is an increasing need to explore accessible and practical strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk,” the researchers wrote. ing.
“These findings highlight the importance of promoting daily activities to promote a healthier lifestyle, whether at work or at home.”
Data shows that more than one in four adults worldwide do not meet recommended levels of physical activity.
Dr Sophie Paddock, from the University of East Anglia, said: “If you have a choice between taking the stairs or the lift, choose the stairs because it's easier on your heart.”
“Even short periods of physical activity can have beneficial effects on health, and going up and down the stairs for short periods of time should be an achievable goal that can be incorporated into daily life.
“Based on these results, we encourage people to incorporate stair climbing into their daily lives.”
“Our research suggested that the more you climb the stairs, the greater the benefits, but this needs to be confirmed. So take the stairs, whether you're at work, at home, or anywhere else. ”
The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology's Preventive Cardiology Congress in Athens, Greece.
Previous research has found that simple exercise, such as climbing stairs, can have a “significant” effect on the heart and muscles.
Researchers at Canada's McMaster University have found that tackling stairs, whether you're walking or running up them, can be beneficial.
Another study suggests that the “staircase test” is an easy way to check your heart health.
Experts say if it takes you more than a minute and a half to climb four flights of stairs, you should seek medical attention.