A pooled analysis led by researchers at the University of East Anglia reports that people who habitually climb stairs had substantially lower deaths from cardiovascular disease and from all causes compared with those who did not. The review covered nine studies and more than 480,000 participants with a median follow-up of around 14 years.
- A meta-analysis of nine studies (480,479 participants) found stair climbers had a 39% lower cardiovascular mortality and 24% lower all-cause mortality compared with non-climbers.
- The analysis is observational: it shows association, not causation, and many included studies used self-reported stair use.
- A sub-analysis suggested climbing about six flights per day (~60–70 steps) might offer a notable benefit, but this requires further confirmation.
- Stair climbing is a low-cost, short-bout vigorous activity that may be suitable for many people, but not those with mobility or joint issues.
Key findings from the review
According to the analysis, people who climbed stairs were linked to:
- a 39% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease;
- a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause.
The pooled data also suggested stair climbers were less likely to develop major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure. A sub-analysis in the review indicated a potential benefit threshold at roughly six flights of stairs per day (about 60–70 steps), though authors said more research is needed to confirm an optimal dose.
What the study did and did not show
The research team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, combining results from nine studies that together included 480,479 participants aged between roughly 35 and 84, including people with and without prior heart disease. The median follow-up period across the studies was 14 years.
Authors and independent clinicians emphasise that the evidence is observational. The review shows an association between stair climbing and lower mortality, but it does not prove stair climbing itself causes the reduction in risk.
“It is important not to interpret this as proving that stair-climbing itself prevents heart disease,” Opel Baker, MBChB, told Medical News Today, explaining the limits of observational data.
Limitations highlighted by the researchers
The review authors and outside commentators point to several important caveats:
- Measurement differences: Studies varied in how they assessed stair climbing — some used self-report, others focused on ability rather than frequency, and settings (home, work, public) were inconsistently captured.
- Self-report bias: Many included studies relied on participants’ recollection of stair use, which can misclassify exposure.
- Confounding: People who take stairs regularly may also have other healthy behaviours or higher overall activity levels, which observational analyses may not fully account for.
How experts interpret the results
Sophie Paddock, a researcher at UEA’s Norwich Medical School and co-author of the review, said some studies in the analysis showed a dose–response pattern, with greater benefits for people who climbed more stairs, but that even small changes appeared measurable. The study was published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs, and the team noted the global burden of cardiovascular disease as context for why simple, scalable interventions matter.
Cardiologists and general practitioners quoted in reporting on the review told Medical News Today that short, vigorous bursts of activity — stair climbing is one such example — fit with existing evidence that brief repeated efforts through the day can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and are consistent with recommendations to reduce sedentary time.
Practical implications
If the association reflects at least part of a causal effect, stair climbing could be an accessible, no-cost way to add higher-intensity movement to daily life: at home, at work, or when using public transport. The review specifically notes that climbing stairs engages multiple muscle groups and requires working against gravity, providing cardiovascular and strength benefits in short bouts.
Researchers also caution stair climbing is not suitable for everyone. People with mobility limitations, joint problems or other health conditions should consult a clinician before increasing stair use.
Context: inactivity and public health
The authors framed their work against rising levels of cardiovascular disease worldwide. They cited figures used in press materials noting that cardiovascular disease cases increased substantially between 1990 and 2019 and represent a large global burden of illness. The review’s findings add to public-health conversations about simple behavioural changes that could help people meet activity goals — though the research team and independent clinicians stress observational findings should not be interpreted as proof of causation.
Unresolved questions and next steps for research
- Does stair climbing itself lower cardiovascular risk, independently of other healthy behaviours and total physical activity? Randomised or better-controlled prospective studies would help answer this.
- What is the optimal amount and intensity of stair climbing for different age and risk groups? The suggested ‘‘sweet spot’’ of about six flights per day requires confirmation.
- How do measurement methods (objective sensors versus self-report) affect risk estimates? Future work using wearable devices could reduce misclassification.
Takeaway for readers
The pooled analysis found strong associations between habitual stair climbing and lower risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in a large combined sample. The evidence is observational and cannot establish causation, but the findings are consistent with established guidance that increasing daily movement and reducing prolonged sitting confers cardiovascular benefits. Small, practical choices — where safe and feasible — such as taking stairs instead of elevators or breaking up long periods of sitting with short walks, may help people move toward activity goals.
