Howie-Esquivel J, et al. - In this secondary analysis of a randomized trial, researchers investigated whether a 5-lb weight gain in 1 week and signs and symptoms of heart failure (HF) increase risk for unplanned physician or emergency department (ED) visits or hospital admission in rural HF patients. Diaries were used to monitor patients’ body weight and HF symptoms. The study sample consisted of participants adherent to daily diaries more than 50% of the time over a 24-month period (n=119; mean age: 69 ± 11 years; 77% male; 67% completed diaries). HF patients were counselled to observe for body-weight gain. Findings did not support the association between 5-lb weight gain and hospital admission. ED visits and hospital admissions were better predicted by dyspnea. To prevent hospitalization, the researchers emphasized the importance of tracking dyspnea symptoms daily in addition to daily weight.