Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
At the same time, regular physical activity is already known to help reduce the risk of heart problems, according to Health.
The researchers therefore wanted to investigate whether a simple form of everyday movement could make a difference.
They reviewed nine previous studies involving participants between the ages of 35 and 84, published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs.
Also read: Extreme heat may be harming your body in more ways than doctors previously realized
The participants were followed for a median period of 14 years. There were roughly equal numbers of men and women, and the studies included people both with and without a history of heart problems.
Results come with caveats
According to Health, climbing stairs can improve cardiovascular fitness and strengthen the body. Among other things, it may have a positive effect on blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
However, the researchers cannot prove that the activity directly causes a lower risk of death.
Most of the studies were observational. This means that people who frequently take the stairs may also generally be healthier and more physically active.
Also read: On blood pressure meds? Missing more than 1 in 5 doses may erase most of the heart benefit
The researchers also did not identify a specific amount of stair climbing that everyone should aim for.
However, one larger study included in the analysis suggested a possible benefit from climbing around six flights of stairs a day.
A simple choice
According to the analysis, people who took the stairs had a 24 percent lower risk of dying from any cause.
Their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was 39 percent lower.
Also read: How eating papaya every day can affect your gut, immunity and eyes
According to Health, experts therefore recommend taking the stairs whenever possible.
However, stair climbing should complement other activities such as walking and cycling rather than replace regular exercise.
Also read: 7 back pain signs that point to inflammation, not a pulled muscle
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.