Taking the stairs could be better for your heart than you think

Published on 13/08/2026 - 7:04 GMT+2

With more than a quarter of adults worldwide failing to meet recommended levels of physical activity, taking the stairs instead of the lift could be more beneficial than many might think.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia, and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital found that people who regularly climbed stairs were 39% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 24% less likely to die from any cause than those who climbed stairs less often.

They were also less likely to develop major cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.

“Taking the stairs is a practical and often overlooked way to build physical activity into daily life,” Vassilios Vassiliou of Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia said.

The researchers analysed data from more than 480,000 participants aged between 35 and 84, drawing on nine high-quality studies with a median follow-up period of 14 years.

“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 Sophie Paddock, from Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia.

“It’s a good option for people who don’t have much time or easy access to exercise. So if you have the choice of taking the stairs or the lift, go for the stairs as it will help your heart.”

Just a few minutes of stair climbing several times a week can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lower cholesterol, according to the research.

“Some of the studies we looked at showed that the more stairs climbed, the greater the health benefits. But even small changes had a measurable impact,” Paddock said.

The findings highlight the importance of promoting everyday physical activity, including in workplaces and homes, to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular disease, the researchers said.

The findings were initially presented at a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).