Engaging in this modest stair-climbing activity daily is linked to a roughly 20% decrease in cardiovascular disease risk, as highlighted by recent findings in the journal ‘Atherosclerosis.’
This study underscores the fact that maintaining a heart-healthy regimen need not be costly or time-intensive. Stair climbing, an accessible form of exercise, can substantially benefit one’s well-being.
The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Lu Qi, MD, PhD, of Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, emphasized in a press statement the efficiency of short, intense stair climbing sessions in boosting cardiorespiratory health and improving cholesterol levels. This is particularly relevant for individuals who find meeting standard exercise recommendations challenging.
Dr. Qi points out the significance of stair climbing as a fundamental, preventative action against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which, along with coronary artery disease and stroke, ranks as a top cause of mortality globally.
For those looking to enhance their heart health, incorporating stair climbing into one’s daily regimen offers a straightforward approach. Here are insights on the benefits of stair climbing for cardiac health and tips for integrating more steps and stairs into your daily life.
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Ascending to Health: The Cardiac Benefits of Daily Stair Climbing
A study by Tulane University researchers has shed light on the heart-health benefits of stair climbing, analyzing over 450,000 U.K. adults’ daily habits alongside their genetic and familial heart disease risks.
During a 12.5-year period, out of these individuals, 39,000 faced cardiovascular issues, which include various heart and vessel conditions. Notably, coronary artery disease, a leading heart ailment in the U.S., is known for triggering heart attacks and strokes.
The study discovered that those with a lower inherent risk for heart disease who climbed approximately 50 stairs a day saw a reduction in disease risk. Moreover, individuals with a higher predisposition to heart conditions also benefited from stair climbing, according to Dr. Qi’s statements.
A particularly striking finding was that individuals who ceased their stair-climbing routine experienced a 32% increase in cardiovascular disease risk compared to consistent non-climbers.
Dr. Harmony Reynolds of NYU Langone Health highlighted that this study reinforces the idea that structured exercise isn’t the only path to reaping health rewards. Just the act of climbing five flights daily, even if spread throughout the day, can be instrumental in lowering cardiovascular disease risk.
The Distinctive Benefits of Stair Climbing Over Walking
Stair climbing stands out as a form of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA), a category that includes tasks like carrying heavy groceries or sprinting to catch public transport.
Studies have consistently highlighted the health benefits of VILPA due to its role in increasing aerobic fitness and optimizing lipid profiles and body composition.
Dr. William E. Kraus, a cardiologist from Duke Health, explained to Health magazine that stair climbing is akin to a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises, presenting a more robust challenge than an equivalent number of steps walked on level ground.
The health advantages of such energetic, sporadic activities extend beyond cardiovascular wellness. Evidence suggests that these activities can also contribute to longer life spans, diminish cancer risks, and decrease the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, often a forerunner to heart diseases.
Dr. Harmony Reynolds affirmed, “Stair climbing is excellent exercise.” It tends to be more strenuous than walking and can be a better workout option for many.
However, this does not diminish the value of walking. As Reynolds noted, walking is an incredibly accessible form of exercise that supports a wide range of health benefits, including enhanced sleep quality, reduced anxiety, regulated blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and effective weight management.
Strategies for Adding Stair Climbing into Your Daily Exercise Habits
Integrating stair climbing into your daily life can be a straightforward process with substantial health benefits.
Dr. Harmony Reynolds suggests seeking out opportunities for stair use, such as opting for stairs over elevators or escalators whenever possible.
For those with stairs in their residence, a 2021 study equates the health benefits of using them with working out on a stair machine at the gym. Reynolds advises, “Use the stairs at home as a fitness tool; every trip up and down counts towards your heart health.”
Although the duration of stair climbing for optimal benefits isn’t specified, Reynolds offers advice on increasing daily physical activity. If stairs are not your preference, she recommends exercises like repeatedly standing up from a chair to engage the leg muscles, emphasizing that all forms of exercise contribute to overall health.
Begin with a manageable 10 to 15 minutes of physical activity daily and gradually increase. The American Heart Association’s guideline of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly translates to a tangible target of 30 minutes a day for five days.
“It’s about personal goals that align with your health status and capabilities,” says Reynolds. While research indicates that climbing at least five flights of stairs daily can be beneficial, it remains uncertain whether more flights will enhance risk reduction.
Dr. William E. Kraus adds, “It’s plausible that more is better, but the exact ‘sweet spot’ is yet to be determined.”
Beyond exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, managing weight, and avoiding smoking are also vital in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Source: www.health.com
Related Links:
- Daily stair climbing, disease susceptibility, and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study
- Daily stair climbing, disease susceptibility, and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study
- Cardiovascular disease, heart disease, coronary heart disease — what’s the difference?
- Promoting Stair Climbing as an Exercise Routine among Healthy Older Adults Attending a Community-Based Physical Activity Program
- Daily stair climbing is associated with decreased risk for the metabolic syndrome
- Home-Based Stair Climbing as an Intervention for Disease Risk in Adult Females; A Controlled Study
- How much physical activity do you need?
- Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
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