Regular Stair Climbing May Reduce Heart Disease Risk and Boost Longevity: Study - Video

Regularly choosing the stairs instead of the lift may offer meaningful cardiovascular benefits, with new research linking stair climbing to lower risks of heart-related death and overall mortality. The study was published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital reviewed evidence from nine studies involving more than 480,000 people aged 35 to 84. Participants included both healthy adults and people with previous cardiovascular disease and were followed for a median of 14 years.

The analysis found that people who regularly climbed stairs had a 39% lower risk of cardiovascular death and a 24% lower risk of death from any cause compared with those who climbed stairs less frequently. Stair climbing was also associated with a lower likelihood of developing serious cardiovascular conditions, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Researchers noted that stair climbing provides a convenient way to add physical activity to everyday routines without requiring dedicated gym sessions. Earlier studies have suggested that even short bouts of stair climbing several times a week can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and cholesterol levels.

One cohort study included in the analysis suggested that climbing around six flights of stairs per day could provide substantial benefits, although researchers stressed that the ideal amount remains uncertain.

The findings are particularly relevant because more than one-quarter of adults worldwide do not meet recommended physical activity levels. Incorporating brief periods of movement into daily routines could therefore provide a practical way to improve cardiovascular health.

However, the study shows an association rather than proof that stair climbing directly prevents death or cardiovascular disease. The researchers also cautioned that stairs may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people with mobility limitations or certain joint conditions.

REFERENCE: Sophie Paddock, Rathna Veerni, et al.; Evaluating the Impact of Stair Climbing on Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs, 2026; DOI: 10.1007/s40256-026-00811-x