Frank’s Sign: Can an Earlobe Crease Predict a Heart Attack or Stroke?
Frank’s Sign: Can an Earlobe Crease Predict a Heart Attack or Stroke?
A deep diagonal crease on the earlobe known as Frank’s sign, has long sparked curiosity in the medical world. While it’s not a definitive diagnosis tool, it may be a subtle visual clue worth paying attention to, especially when seen alongside other cardiovascular risk factors.
What is Frank’s Sign?
Frank’s sign is a diagonal crease running from the tragus to the earlobe’s edge. It’s named after Dr. Sanders T. Frank, who first observed its possible link to heart disease in 1973. Some studies have since found a correlation between the presence of this crease and increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), strokes, or other vascular issues.
Is It a Warning Sign?
Yes, but with caution. Here’s what current medical thinking suggests:
- It’s not a guarantee: Just having the crease doesn’t mean you’ll have a heart attack.
- Nor is it harmless in all cases: If you do have the crease and other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease—then it might be a red flag worth investigating.
- Possible reasoning: Some experts believe it reflects changes in small blood vessels (microvascular changes) that also occur in coronary arteries.
What the Viral Story Gets Right
Dr. Christabel Akinola’s account of a sharp-eyed doctor spotting Frank’s sign and saving a life is medically plausible. Sometimes, visual clues like this can spark further investigation, especially if paired with clinical intuition and risk assessment.
In the story, the man’s abnormal ECG and follow-up angiogram confirmed severe coronary artery disease, validating the doctor’s hunch. But such outcomes are not guaranteed in all cases.
What You Should Do
If you or someone you know notices a deep earlobe crease, here’s a sensible approach:
- Don’t panic—it’s not a crystal ball.
- Do take it seriously if combined with other risk factors.
- Consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation: blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, ECG, etc.
- Lifestyle still matters most: Eat well, exercise regularly, manage stress, and avoid smoking.
Frank’s sign is an observational clue, not a diagnosis. It’s not a myth, but it’s not magic either. It’s one piece of a much larger puzzle, and modern cardiovascular screening remains the best way to truly assess your risk.
So if you notice it, stay calm but be proactive. Like the doctor in the story, it might just help you catch something early, when it’s still treatable.
