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What That Crease On Your Earlobe Means For Heart Health
HuffPost • • health
Key Points:
- A diagonal earlobe crease, known as Frank’s sign, has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and strokes, though it can also appear due to natural aging.
- Frank’s sign is characterized by a single, noticeable diagonal groove extending 45 degrees from the earlobe to the tragus, distinct from normal age-related wrinkles.
- While the presence of Frank’s sign can be a risk marker, it is not a definitive diagnosis, and many people with heart disease do not have this crease, so it should not be solely relied upon for cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Individuals noticing Frank’s sign should discuss it with their primary care physician during routine checkups, where further testing may be recommended based on overall risk factors like obesity, smoking, or family history.
- Maintaining heart-healthy habits such as managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle factors remains crucial for cardiovascular risk reduction, regardless of the presence or absence of the earlobe crease.
