Taking the stairs rather than using the lift could help you live longer

CLIMBING stairs instead of using the lift is associated with better heart health and a longer life, scientists say.

New research suggests regularly taking the stairs is linked to a 24 per cent reduced risk of dying from any cause and a 39 per cent lower likelihood of dying from heart disease.

The scientists said the findings indicate that even short bursts of activity such as stair climbing could cut the risk of premature death.

Dr Sophie Paddock, of the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust, said: “If you have the choice of taking the stairs or the lift, go for the stairs as it will help your heart.

“Even brief bursts of physical activity have beneficial health impacts, and short bouts of stair climbing should be an achievable target in daily routines.”

Physical inactivity is associated with one in six deaths in the UK, according a report compiled by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

Evidence suggests regular exercise can reduce the risk of early death and heart disease. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.

The team looked at nine studies involving more than 480,000 people, aged between 35 and 84. Healthy individuals as well as patients with heart disease were included in the analysis, of whom 53 per cent were women.

In addition to reducing the risk of premature death, stair climbing was also found to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease including heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

Dr Paddock said: “Based on these results, we would encourage people to incorporate stair climbing into their day-to-day lives. Our study suggested that the more stairs climbed, the greater the benefits — but this needs to be confirmed.”