A recent study from Tulane University in Louisiana, USA, suggests that you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease by simply climbing at least 50 stairs a day. Forget about aiming for 10,000 or 7,000 daily steps; this new research, published in the journal Atherosclerosis, highlights the effectiveness of stair climbing in cardiovascular disease prevention.
ASCVD a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality
According to the study, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank involving 450,000 adults, regularly ascending more than five flights of stairs daily can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), along with coronary artery disease and stroke, is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, emphasized the time-efficient nature of short bursts of high-intensity stair climbing in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profiles. This benefit extends to individuals who may find it challenging to meet current physical activity recommendations.
The study assessed participants’ susceptibility to cardiovascular disease based on factors such as family history, established risk factors, and genetic predispositions. It also gathered information on participants’ lifestyle habits and their frequency of stair climbing. Notably, the research revealed that stair climbing was particularly effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with lower susceptibility. However, even those at higher risk could effectively offset their risk through daily stair climbing.
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In summary, this study provides compelling evidence of the protective effects of stair climbing against ASCVD, especially for individuals with multiple risk factors for this condition. So, if you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to reduce your heart disease risk, consider incorporating stair climbing into your daily routine.