Climbing at least 50 steps a day reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and improves brain function, according to new studies.

Strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures, causing internal bleeding or blockage, which makes it difficult to absorb nutrients and process oxygen.

One of the most common risk factors is high blood pressure; however, other warning signs can increase the risk of stroke: irregular heart rate, diabetes, bad cholesterol, and obesity.

Despite this, research published in 2024 in the scientific journal 'European Journal of Preventive Cardiology' confirmed that regularly climbing 50 stairs can reduce mortality related to heart disease.

The study analyzed 480,479 participants over a 10-year period, revealing that this physical activity offers significant benefits and is an alternative to conventional training for improving mental and cardiac function.

Meanwhile, an article in Medical News Today suggests that patients who run five stretches a day reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by 20 percent, compared to those who do none.

Other academic research conducted by higher education institutions in Brazil and Belgium found that ladder training lasting 12 weeks produced improvements in muscle strength in older adults.

According to the University of Otago in New Zealand, taking one-minute intervals while climbing stairs increases cognitive reorganization, allowing the brain to relax and focus on problem-solving.

This physical activity also includes greater activation of the prefrontal cortex and an increase in cerebrovascular blood flow. Furthermore, this simple habit contributes to mental flexibility and the ability to inhibit irrelevant stimuli.

If these results motivate you to incorporate steps into your routine, all you need to do is use these structures instead of the elevators or escalators found in most offices, shopping centers, or homes.

If you're someone who rarely leaves your home, but your building has several floors, you can take advantage of these access points by dedicating a specific period of time to walking up and down without a break, with the goal of gradually making it a healthy habit.

DIGITAL REACH EDITORIAL