Stair climbing may significantly lower cardiovascular risks
News briefs
- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Taking the stairs whenever you can is a simple way to sneak more vigorous physical activity into your day — and might garner significant health benefits. A research review and meta-analysis published online Aug. 13, 2026, by the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs found that people who regularly climb stairs may have substantially lower risks of developing cardiovascular problems and dying from them.
Researchers evaluated data from nine earlier studies measuring stair climbing that involved a total of 480,479 people ages 35 to 84 (53% women). Participants included both healthy adults and those with existing cardiovascular disease, such as a previous heart attack or peripheral artery disease (narrowed arteries carrying blood from the heart to the legs). The researchers examined whether stair climbing was associated with cardiovascular outcomes (heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular-related death) as well as death from any cause.
Climbing stairs was associated with a 39% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular problems and a 24% reduced risk of dying from any cause during the respective study periods. People who climbed stairs were also less likely than those who didn’t to experience heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
This observational research can’t prove that stair climbing lowers cardiovascular and other death risks — just that an association exists. And although the analysis did not establish a specific number of flights of stairs per day that people should aim for, it adds to evidence that ordinary activities that briefly raise heart rate can contribute to cardiovascular health. To benefit from this insight, try taking the stairs more often instead of the elevator, since a few flights here and there can add up to meaningful physical activity.
Image: © AnnaZhuk/Getty Images
About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
