Skipping the escalator or elevator in favor of the stairs may benefit heart health, according to a new study.
A comprehensive research review and meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs—and highlighted by Harvard Health—found that regular stair climbing is associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease and premature death.
The study analyzed data from nine previous studies involving 480,479 participants aged 35 to 84. The cohort included both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, such as a history of heart attack or peripheral artery disease.
Researchers tracked participants’ health outcomes to assess how everyday physical activity, such as stair climbing, affects major cardiovascular events and overall mortality.
Findings showed that individuals who regularly used the stairs had a 39% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a 24% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who did not.
Regular stair climbers were also less likely to experience acute cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
While the study establishes an association rather than direct causation, experts noted that stair climbing is an accessible form of vigorous physical activity.
Researchers said climbing stairs helps elevate heart rate, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and support weight management—factors that contribute to long-term cardiovascular health.
Health professionals emphasized that major lifestyle changes are not always necessary to gain these benefits. Instead, small adjustments—such as choosing the stairs over the elevator for a few flights each day—can accumulate into meaningful physical activity.
For those looking to improve heart health, incorporating stair climbing into daily routines offers a simple, cost-free step toward a healthier lifestyle.
