How One Wrinkle Can Affect Heart Disease
You probably don’t spend a lot of time checking your ears. But a quick check in the mirror may reveal a subtle physical issue related to cardiovascular health. A deep, diagonal line across the base of your ear can be more than just a normal sign of aging.
Medical professionals refer to this particular combination as Frank’s sign. The name comes from Dr. Sanders T. Frank, a pulmonologist who first noticed the connection in the early 1970s. He noted that many of his patients with confirmed coronary artery disease shared this unique characteristic.
Since that first observation, many studies have examined the connection between this diagonal lower-earlobe crease and heart problems. According to a recent report from NBC’s TODAY, having this disease does not guarantee that you will have heart problems, but research also lists it as a possible warning sign.
The crease usually runs from the tragus — a small bump of cartilage near your face — down at a 45-degree angle to the outer edge of the ear. Here are some examples from a scientific journal.
It can appear in just one or both ears. If it is present on both sides, the association with heart risk is even stronger.
You may be wondering how the wrinkles in your ear connect to the veins that pump blood to your heart. The exact biological mechanism remains controversial among researchers.
However, scientists have proposed several powerful theories. Another leading idea centers on the type of blood vessels that supply the ears and heart muscle. They rely on last veins, which means they have no blood backup. If blood circulation is impaired, tissues in both areas can be damaged.
Another theory points to the degeneration of the elastic fibers. The process that causes your earlobe to lose elasticity may be happening inside your body. Loss of elastin can cause the blood vessels around your heart to tighten and narrow.
Some skeptics argue that the earlobe crease is simply a result of aging, as both heart disease and skin wrinkles increase with age. However, many studies show that the crease remains an independent predictor of heart problems, even if age, smoking habits and diabetes are taken into account.
It is important to distinguish the true sign of Frank from the temporary crease of sleep. The mark from your pillow will fade soon after you wake up. A true diagonal earlobe crease is permanent and remains visible no matter where you lie or how you move your head.
If you see this line in your ear, there is no need to panic. It’s just one factor in your overall health profile. Most people with creases have healthy hearts, while others who have heart attacks have smooth ears.
Instead of worrying, use the discovery to take immediate action. Bring it up at your next treatment appointment. Your doctor can assess your risk factors and recommend appropriate tests to ensure proper heart function.
