Physical inactivity is one of the major drivers cited for the cardiovascular disease burden globally, and with increasing trend towards sedentary lifestyle, there is an urgent need to identify feasible, everyday interventions that can lower the impending cardiovascular risk.1

Regular stair climbing is seen as a simple and accessible way to incorporate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity into daily life. Evidence from epidemiological studies suggest that frequent stair climbing is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and coronary heart disease. Climbing multiple flights of stairs daily may therefore contribute to improved cardiovascular health and longevity. Overall, stair climbing represents a practical strategy to increase daily physical activity, particularly for individuals with limited opportunities for structured exercise.2

A systematic review and meta-analysis led by researchers from the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital evaluated the association between stair climbing, cardiovascular disease, and longevity. Published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs, the analysis indicates that using the stairs is significantly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality, reinforcing the value of practical, everyday movements. 1