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Do you have this line on your ear? Doctors warn: It's a hidden sign that can predict a heart attack
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Health & Science

Do you have this line on your ear? Doctors warn: It's a hidden sign that can predict a heart attack

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Doctors are increasingly recognizing a diagonal crease on the earlobe, known as Frank's sign, as a potential indicator of cardiovascular disease.
  • Research suggests a link between this earlobe crease and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • The presence of Frank's sign, especially on both ears, is associated with a significantly higher risk of serious cardiac events, independent of other risk factors.

A subtle physical trait, a diagonal crease on the earlobe, is gaining recognition among medical professionals as a potential hidden sign of underlying cardiovascular problems. Known as Frank's sign, this earlobe fold is increasingly being linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

While common symptoms of heart issues like chest pain and shortness of breath are well-known, Frank's sign presents a less obvious warning. First observed by Dr. Sanders T. Frank in 1973, the sign involves a distinct crease that studies have shown correlates with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular diseases.

Research indicates that individuals with Frank's sign on one ear have a 33 percent increased risk of serious cardiac events. This risk escalates to 77 percent for those with the crease on both ears. Notably, this association holds true even when accounting for other known risk factors such as age, smoking, and diabetes.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.