Predicting Heart Attacks with Ear Lobe Creases (also known as Frank's sign)
In a groundbreaking discovery first published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1973, Dr. Sanders T. Frank identified a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks - the diagonal earlobe crease (DELC), also known as Frank's sign[1][3]. This crease, running diagonally from the tragus to the edge of the earlobe, has since been associated with an increased risk of CAD, strokes, and other vascular diseases[1][3].
While DELC is not a standalone diagnostic sign for heart disease, it can serve as a non-invasive clinical marker correlated with CAD risk[1][3][4]. The underlying mechanism behind this association is thought to involve microvascular changes affecting small blood vessels, both in the earlobe and coronary arteries, indicating systemic vascular aging or atherosclerosis[1][3][4].
The presence of DELC gains significance when combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or smoking[1][3]. For instance, a 2017 study found that people with Frank's sign and classical cardiovascular risk factors, namely age, gender, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure (hypertension), had a higher risk[1][3].
Recent research combines DELC presence with other risk indices, such as the atherogenic index of plasma, to improve prediction of coronary heart disease[4]. However, people should not rely solely on having an earlobe crease for the diagnosis of heart disease. If a person notices they have an ear lobe crease, it is worth speaking with a healthcare professional if they are also experiencing symptoms of heart disease or are at risk due to other factors[1][3].
Doctors may request several tests to diagnose CAD, including an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, exercise stress test, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiogram, coronary artery calcium scan, or a CT scan[1][3]. In case of severe symptoms such as severe pain or pressure at the center of the chest, pain spreading from the chest to the arms, shoulder, and neck, chest discomfort with nausea, fainting, or sweating, or any other worsening symptoms or anything outside the ordinary, emergency treatment is required[1][3].
It is important to note that almost half of all Americans have one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking[1][3]. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and timely management of risk factors are crucial in preventing heart disease.
While the exact mechanism linking DELC and CAD still needs further research, recent studies have found interesting correlations. For instance, a 2021 study found that people with earlobe creases and CAD have low adropin and irisin levels, a type of protein, compared to a control group[1][3]. Another 2021 study found that people with earlobe creases had low serum levels of the age-suppressing hormone Klotho[1][3].
In summary, while the diagonal earlobe crease (DELC) is not a definitive diagnostic sign for heart disease, it can serve as a potential risk indicator when combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. If you notice a diagonal earlobe crease, especially if you have other risk factors for heart disease, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further assessment.
- The diagonal earlobe crease (DELC), a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks, has been associated with an increased risk of other chronic diseases such as strokes and other vascular diseases.
- In addition to DELC, other medical-conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or smoking can contribute to the risk of CAD when combined.
- To improve the prediction of coronary heart disease, recent research combines DELC presence with other risk indices, such as the atherogenic index of plasma.
- People should not rely solely on having an earlobe crease for the diagnosis of heart disease, as several tests are required for a definitive diagnosis.
- The presence of DELC gains significance when combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or smoking, which may increase the risk of CAD.
- Science continues to explore the exact mechanism linking DELC and CAD, finding interesting correlations such as low adropin and irisin levels and low serum levels of the age-suppressing hormone Klotho in individuals with earlobe creases and CAD.
- Maintaining cardiovascular health, understanding one's health-and-wellness status, and timely management of risk factors are crucial in preventing heart disease, as almost half of all Americans have one of the three key risk factors for heart disease.
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