Want to live longer? Make it a habit to take the stairs instead of the elevator as often as possible. That’s the conclusion of researchers from the University of East Anglia. This simple habit can protect you from cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, and consequently, from premature death.
What Scientists Discovered
The university team investigated whether a specific type of physical activity, like climbing stairs, could lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
To do this, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of nine previous studies involving around 500,000 participants aged 35 to 84. Among them were healthy individuals as well as those with a history of heart attacks or heart disease.
The analysis revealed that climbing stairs is associated with a 24 percent reduction in the risk of premature death from any cause and a 39 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases (including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure).
“As sedentary lifestyles become increasingly common, there is a growing need to explore accessible and practical strategies for reducing cardiovascular risks,” the team noted. They also reminded us that such everyday activities are available both at home and in the workplace.
“If you have the choice between taking the stairs or the elevator, choose the stairs, as it’s beneficial for your heart,” said Dr. Sophie Peddock, the lead author of the study. “Even small bursts of physical activity have a positive impact on health. So, short stair climbs should become a habit that you integrate into your daily life,” she added.
The researchers observed that the more stairs a person climbs, the greater the health benefits for their heart. However, this connection needs to be confirmed in future studies, according to the Daily Mail.
The team presented their findings at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Athens, Greece.
Meanwhile, research from McMaster University in Canada found that any form of ascent is beneficial for the heart, whether a person is walking or running up.
According to other scientific observations, if it takes more than one and a half minutes to climb four flights of stairs, it’s advisable to consult a doctor.
Statistics show that one in four people on our planet does not meet the recommended level of physical activity.