What is a Frank’s sign?
Published on: July 31, 2025, 1:30 p.m. | Source: The Indian Express
Fertility expert Dr. Christabel Akinola shared a story about a doctor who noticed Frank's sign, a deep diagonal earlobe crease, on a patient's husband and advised him to see a cardiologist. This led to the discovery of severe coronary artery disease and prevented a major heart attack. Dr. Swarup Swaraj Pal, a cardiovascular surgeon, confirms that some studies have linked Frank's sign to an increased risk of heart disease or stroke, possibly reflecting blood vessel changes due to aging or poor circulation. However, he emphasizes that this sign alone is not diagnostic and its presence doesn't guarantee a cardiac event, nor does its absence rule one out. Reliable indicators like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and lifestyle factors are more significant. Dr. Pal advises consulting a doctor for proper cardiovascular screening if an earlobe crease is noticed, especially with other risk factors, but cautions against relying solely on social media information. He recommends focusing on a balanced diet and managing known risk factors for heart health.
