Earlobe Crease Predicts Heart Disease

Cardiologists have found that cardiovascular disease is strongly correlated with a specific diagonal crease between the tragus and the outer edge of the earlobe called Frank's sign. Autopsy work from the University Hospital Bonn showed that higher-grade Frank's sign appeared far more often in people with severe coronary artery disease, generalized atherosclerosis, preexisting cardiac disease, and cardiac-related causes of death. Based on these findings, the authors concluded that Frank's sign has prognostic value, particularly in younger patients, and recommended routinely checking for it during physical examinations.

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