Your earlobes may hold a sneaky clue about future heart disease

Frank’s sign, a diagonal crease in the earlobe, is increasingly recognized as a potential indicator of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, 61% of U.S. adults may develop some form of heart disease, and this subtle marker may signal underlying issues like coronary artery disease or stroke risk.

What is Frank’s sign and how is it identified?

Frank’s sign is a diagonal crease or wrinkle found in the earlobe. It was named after Dr. Sanders T. Frank, who first observed the marker in patients under 60 who suffered from coronary artery blockages or angina, which is chest pain.

While classic heart trouble signs include fatigue, swollen legs, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or shortness of breath, this crease is often in plain sight but overlooked.

Did You Know? Dr. Sanders T. Frank identified this diagonal earlobe crease after observing it in multiple patients under the age of 60 with proven coronary artery blockages or angina.

Why does an earlobe crease signal heart risk?

Medical experts suggest a few theories for this connection. One theory is that a loss of elastic fibers and elastin causes the crease, which is the same process that damages arteries in coronary artery disease.

Other theories point to genetic factors, as the link between heart attacks and these creases appears across different ethnic populations. One study also found that people with coronary artery disease and Frank’s sign had low levels of irisin and adropin, which are types of protein.

These protein deficiencies may contribute to atherosclerosis. This occurs when plaque buildup makes arteries narrow and hard, potentially leading to a stroke or heart attack.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that while a physical marker like Frank’s sign isn’t a diagnosis, its value lies in its visibility. When paired with traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, it could serve as a critical prompt for patients to seek professional cardiovascular screening earlier than they otherwise would.

How does the appearance of the crease affect risk levels?

The severity of the cardiovascular risk may depend on how the crease looks. An incomplete wrinkle on just one ear is considered the least severe form of the marker.

Ear lobe crease as a marker of heart disease – Frank's sign

Risk is more strongly associated with creases that are deep, bilateral (appearing on both ears), or span the complete length of the lobe. The presence of accessory creases also increases the association with heart disease.

Research, including a 2017 study, has linked these creases to ischemic cerebrovascular events. This includes strokes and transient ischemic attacks, often called mini-strokes.

What happens if you notice this sign?

A crease in the earlobe should not be the only indicator used to diagnose heart disease. However, it is associated with a higher risk of death from heart complications, even regardless of diabetes, smoking, or age.

Those who notice this sign, especially if they also have high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, may find it beneficial to talk to a healthcare provider. A medical professional could then evaluate the sign alongside other risk factors to determine the overall cardiovascular health of the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Frank’s sign?
It is a diagonal crease or wrinkle in the earlobe that is associated with a predictor of heart disease.

Can Frank’s sign be the only way to diagnose heart disease?
No. An earlobe crease alone should not be the sole indicator of heart disease, though it is a sign to discuss with a provider if other risk factors are present.

What conditions are linked to this earlobe marker?
It has been linked to coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and ischemic cerebrovascular events like strokes and mini-strokes.

Have you ever noticed a diagonal crease in your own earlobe or a loved one’s?