What Does An Ear Lobe Crease Mean? (A Concerning Sign)

Everyone knows that eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough rest are key to living a long, happy life. However, not everyone follows these guidelines, and sometimes, issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can result from bad habits over the years. But did you know that there's a simple way of determining whether someone is at risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes? It has to do with an ear lobe crease.Intrigued? Read on for more.

What Is An Earlobe Crease?

An ear lobe crease is, quite simply, a crease in your earlobe. Normally, the earlobe's surface is smooth and unwrinkled. But in 1973, Dr. Sanders T. Frank described a way that the texture of your earlobe could signify the presence of heart disease. He described a crease formed on patients with coronary heart disease at increased risk of a heart attack. This crease is now known as Frank's sign.

Frank's Sign: What Your Ear Lobe Crease Means

So what is Frank's sign?As we described earlier, while a normal earlobe is smooth, Frank's sign is a "crease" in the earlobe that appears to divide it in half. It's a nearly straight line that runs at a 45º angle from the inside to the outside of the earlobe. But could this have anything to do with heart disease?In fact, despite there being much ongoing debate and research, some studies have shown a significant correlation between the presence of coronary artery disease and the presence of Frank's sign. It's important to note, though, that other studies do not definitively prove a link between Frank's sign and coronary artery disease. They specified either different ethnic groups, patients with conditions like diabetes, or older patients with other signs of aging.But even so, it's worth taking an ear lobe crease seriously.

Conclusion: Should I Take An Ear Lobe Crease Seriously?

We think so. Any indication that you might potentially be at risk of a health disorder is something to at least consider seriously. This means that if you've just noticed a wrinkle on your ear or that of a loved one, it doesn't hurt to get it checked out with a qualified cardiologist.Fortunately, getting a heart health checkup at the doctor's office is quite simple. A cardiologist will check your heart rate and blood pressure for any signs of abnormalities. They can also recommend diagnostic tests, such as ECGs. An electrocardiogram measures the electrical signals that define your heart rhythm, letting them examine it for any problems. Some simple blood tests can check your cholesterol levels, too. A cardiologist can also recommend a Doppler ultrasound test, which examines important arteries for the presence of plaque buildup.At the Northwest Cardiovascular Clinic in Houston, TX, we listen to all of our patients and keep you confident and comfortable through our high-quality care practices. We're equipped to perform a comprehensive suite of tests to diagnose any potential heart problems. These include electrocardiography, heart rhythm monitoring, and blood tests. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach us at (281) 807-5253.We look forward to hearing from you.