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

Background In prevention, sedentary behaviour and physical activity have been associated with risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Less is known about associations with utilization of hospital care. Aim To investigate whether physical activity level and sedentary behaviour prior to cardiac ward admission can predict utilization of hospital care and mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods Longitudinal observational study including 1148 patients admitted and treated in cardiac wards in two hospitals. Subjective reports of physical activity levels and sedentary time prior to admission were collected during inpatient care and categorized as low, medium or high. The associations between physical activity level and sedentary time with hospital stay, readmission and mortality were analysed using linear, logistic and Cox regressions. Results Median hospital stay was 2.1 days. One higher step in the physical activity level, or lower sedentary time, was related to an approximately 0.9 days shorter hospital stay. Sixty per cent of patients were readmitted to hospital. The risk of being readmitted was lower for individuals reporting high physical activity and low sedentary time (odds ratios ranging between 0.44 and 0.91). A total of 200 deaths occurred during the study. Mortality was lower among those with high and medium physical activity levels and low sedentary time (hazard ratios ranging between 0.36 and 0.90). Conclusion Both physical activity level and sedentary time during the period preceding hospitalization for cardiac events were predictors of hospital utilization and mortality. This highlights the prognostic value of assessing patients' physical activity and sedentary behaviour.