A new study has discovered that merely climbing a minimum of 50 steps each day can significantly decrease the risk of heart disease. The research, conducted by Tulane University, highlights how ascending more than five flights of stairs daily can reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease by an astonishing 20%.
Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), along with coronary artery disease and stroke, are leading causes of both illness and mortality worldwide. Therefore, finding simple and effective preventive measures is of utmost importance.
Dr. Lu Qi, HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, stated, “Short bursts of high-intensity stair climbing are a time-efficient way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile, especially among those unable to achieve the current physical activity recommendations.” Dr. Qi further emphasized the potential advantages of stair climbing as a primary preventive measure for ASCVD in the general population.
To conduct the study, researchers utilised data from the UK Biobank, which included information from 450,000 adults. Participants’ susceptibility to cardiovascular disease was assessed based on family history, established risk factors, and genetic predisposition. Additionally, participants were surveyed regarding their lifestyle habits and frequency of stair climbing. The median follow-up time for the study was an impressive 12.5 years.
The findings, published in the esteemed journal Atherosclerosis, indicated that climbing stairs on a daily basis significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals who were less susceptible. Remarkably, the study also revealed that even those with a higher risk of heart disease could “effectively offset” this risk through regular stair climbing.
Dr. Qi highlighted the accessibility and affordability of stairs, making them an ideal option for incorporating exercise into one’s daily routine. By utilizing the public availability of stairs, individuals can effortlessly integrate physical activity into their lives and reap the benefits of reduced heart disease risk.
“This study provides novel evidence for the protective effects of stair climbing on the risk of ASCVD, particularly for individuals with multiple ASCVD risk factors,” Dr. Qi stated confidently.
The implications of this study are significant, as it offers a simple yet impactful solution to combatting heart disease. By encouraging individuals to incorporate stair climbing into their daily lives, the burden of cardiovascular diseases can be alleviated, leading to improved overall health and well-being. So, let’s take the stairs and take charge of our heart health!