A new study published in the journal Atherosclerosis has brought to light a simple yet effective way to combat heart disease: climbing stairs.
The research reveals that ascending more than five flights of stairs daily can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which includes coronary artery disease and stroke, stands as a leading cause of death and illness globally.
This study underscores the importance of physical activity, even in short bursts, to improve heart health and overall well-being.
Conducted using data from the UK Biobank, which involved 450,000 adults, the study assessed the participants’ risk of cardiovascular disease considering family history, established risk factors, and genetic predispositions.
Additionally, it took into account their lifestyle habits, including how often they climbed stairs. The median follow-up period for the participants was 12.5 years.
The findings were particularly significant for those less susceptible to cardiovascular disease, demonstrating a substantial risk reduction with increased stair climbing.
Co-corresponding author Lu Qi, a professor at the Tulane University, highlighted that even people with a higher risk of heart disease could significantly benefit from this simple exercise.
Qi emphasizes the practicality and accessibility of stair climbing as a form of exercise. Unlike other physical activities that might require specific equipment or locations, stairs are widely available and free to use.
This makes stair climbing an inclusive and convenient option for integrating physical activity into daily routines.
The study not only confirms the health benefits of physical activity but also proposes stair climbing as an efficient, low-cost method to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profiles. Qi’s research presents stair climbing as a primary preventive measure for ASCVD, applicable to the general population.
This research offers a straightforward and practical approach to reducing the risk of heart diseases, particularly beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to meet current physical activity recommendations.
It provides a novel perspective on the protective effects of stair climbing against ASCVD, especially for those with multiple risk factors. The study is a reminder of the power of simple, everyday activities in improving our health and preventing disease.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
The research findings can be found in Atherosclerosis.
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