Subjective reports of physical activity levels and sedentary time prior to hospital admission can predict utilization of hospital care and all-cause mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease.

The study shows association, not proof that changing activity or sitting time will improve hospital stay, readmission or survival. Physical activity and sedentary time were self-reported before admission, so recall and overestimation are possible. Weekend and overnight admissions, patients with severe acute pulmonary edema, cognitive dysfunction or poor Swedish were excluded, so it may not apply to all cardiac patients. The study did not measure prior cardiovascular disease, comorbidity, inpatient treatment, medication or post-discharge activity changes, so other factors could influence results. Some patients were not included or dropped out, and the dropout group differed in age and diagnosis.

Do not conclude that increasing physical activity or reducing sitting time after admission will shorten hospital stay, reduce readmission or prevent death. This observational study only shows that pre-admission self-reported activity and sedentary time are associated with those outcomes.