Taking The Stairs May Lower Your Risk Of Dying From Heart Disease

August 13, 2026
HealthDay Staff HealthDay Reporter

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator may do more for your health than you think.

A large study published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs found people who regularly climbed the stairs were 39% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. And 24% less likely to die from any cause. Their odds of heart attack, stroke and heart failure were also lower.

"Taking the stairs is a practical and often overlooked way to build physical activity into daily life," said senior author Dr. Vassilios Vassiliou, a professor of cardiac medicine at Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia in the U.K. "We wanted to better understand how this everyday activity could have life-saving potential."

Researchers analyzed data from nine studies involving more than 480,000 people, ages 35 to 84.

They looked at the relationship between self-reported stair climbing and risk of heart disease and premature death over a median follow-up of 14 years. (Median means half were followed longer, half for a shorter time.)

One study included in the analysis suggested climbing around six flights of stairs a day may provide the greatest benefit, although researchers said more work is needed to determine the optimal amount.

"Unlike going to the gym or doing a workout, climbing the stairs is something you can easily fit into your day at home, at work or when you're out," said first author Dr. Sophie Paddock, also of Norwich Medical School. "It's a good option for people who don't have much time or easy access to exercise."

More information

The Mayo Clinic has more on heart disease.

SOURCE: HealthDay TV, Aug. 13, 2026

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