A new study conducted by Tulane University reveals that climbing at least 50 stairs per day can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease. The research suggests that climbing more than five flights of stairs daily can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by almost 20%. Conditions such as strokes, coronary artery disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are among the leading causes of death and illness worldwide.
Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and co-author of the study, stated that “short bursts of high-intensity stair climbing are a time-efficient way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile, especially among those who are unable to meet the current physical activity recommendations.” He further emphasized the potential benefits of stair climbing as a primary preventive measure for ASCVD in the general population.
To conduct the study, researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, which included 450,000 adults. Participants were evaluated based on their family history, known risk factors, and genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, a survey on lifestyle habits and frequency of stair climbing was conducted, with a median follow-up period of 12.5 years.
The findings demonstrated that individuals who climbed more stairs each day had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, indicating that stair climbing is advantageous compared to walking on a flat surface. Dr. Nicolas Berger, a senior lecturer in sport and exercise at Teesside University, explained that climbing stairs utilizes more muscles, balance, and gross motor skills, leading to significant cardiovascular activity. Shortness of breath commonly occurs during stair climbing due to the increased heart rate and oxygen uptake.
Dr. Berger emphasized the substantial benefits of these intermittent bursts of activity in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and inducing positive adaptations in the body. In conclusion, incorporating stair climbing into daily routines can be a time-efficient and effective measure for improving heart health.