What Does a Particular Mark on the Ear Mean?
If you’re referring to a diagonal crease running across the earlobe, it’s known as Frank’s sign or a diagonal earlobe crease.
❤️ Does it mean heart disease?
Not necessarily. Studies have found an association between this type of crease and coronary artery disease, particularly in older adults and people with cardiovascular risk factors. However, it is not a reliable diagnostic test: a systematic review found that the crease’s accuracy was insufficient to determine whether someone has coronary disease.
The crease may also simply reflect aging and changes in skin/connective tissue, so having one doesn’t mean your arteries are blocked.
What should you do?
If you notice this mark, don’t panic or order heart tests solely because of it. Instead, pay attention to established cardiovascular risk factors such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history of heart disease
If you have chest pressure/pain, shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, seek emergency medical care regardless of whether you have an ear crease.
