Frank’s Sign: What Is It and Can It Predict a Heart Attack?

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs of impaired vascular health to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Frank’s sign refers to a diagonal earlobe crease that can indicate underlying circulatory issues and is a surprisingly accurate predictor of coronary heart disease. 

Learn what causes Frank’s sign and discover natural and effective ways to support a healthy heart and vascular system. 

What is Frank’s sign?

Frank’s sign was first described by and named after American doctor Sanders T. Frank. 

It refers to a diagonal fold of skin that can appear on one or both earlobes, located between the small bump in front of the ear and the outer edge of the earlobe. 

Dr. Frank recognized that this earlobe crease is one of the few visible age-related signs that may indicate underlying circulatory issues, suggesting a potential link between the presence of the crease and increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Research published in Cureus confirms the significant association between earlobe creases and cardiovascular risk factors.  

The authors conclude, “The presence of a bilateral diagonal ear lobe crease, also known as Frank’s sign, correlates with a myriad of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease.”

Frank’s sign is a surprisingly accurate predictor of poor heart function. A study published in Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology revealed that 73 percent of individuals who died from cardiovascular-related conditions exhibited Frank’s sign.

Watch the video below to discover why the appearance of your ear may predict heart disease risk.

What causes Frank’s sign?

Frank’s sign is believed to result from poor peripheral blood flow, which is often linked to atherosclerotic disease characterized by the narrowing and hardening of arteries. 

As blood vessels in the neck and head become less elastic and narrow, reduced blood flow can lead to the breakdown of elastin and collagen in the skin, resulting in the formation of earlobe creases.

While having a Frank’s crease doesn’t directly cause cardiovascular disease, it serves as a visible marker of potential vascular issues such as atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, which is a major risk factor for cardiac arrest and stroke. 

Risk factors for poor vascular health and atherosclerosis include:

• High blood pressure

• Imbalanced cholesterol levels

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Chronic stress

• Sedentary lifestyle 

Other signs of a heart problem

In addition to traditional risk factors for heart disease, there are several other early warning signs of heart problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Here are three signs that may indicate underlying heart problems.

1. Water retention 

Water retention, or edema, can result from poor circulation and can signal that the heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently, which may be an early indicator of heart failure or other cardiovascular issues. 

“Edema can cause a back-up of fluids into the lungs, which explains why a persistent and unexplained cough is a common warning sign of poor circulation and cardiovascular issues,” explains Dr. Berg.

2. Poor memory 

Memory issues and impaired cognition can also indicate heart problems, as reduced blood flow to the brain may lead to decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery, resulting in cognitive difficulties.

3. Sleep apnea

Heart problems can also manifest in sleep disturbances and sleep apnea, which are linked to fluid buildup in the lungs obstructing airflow during sleep. 

Additionally, reduced cardiovascular function can affect the body's ability to regulate breathing patterns, increasing the likelihood of sleep apnea episodes.

Natural tips to support a healthy heart

According to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a significant majority of cardiovascular disease cases are linked to unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits.

This indicates that making beneficial changes may substantially reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular issues and improve overall heart health.

Here are five ways to support a healthy heart. 

1. Follow a Healthy Keto® diet 

It has long been established that obesity, elevated blood pressure, and chronic inflammation greatly increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. 

It has also been shown that a diet high in sugar and carbs can contribute to these conditions by promoting weight gain, increasing blood pressure, and triggering inflammatory responses in the body.

This explains why a low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto® is an effective dietary approach to promote a healthy heart and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. 

A study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry confirms these cardiovascular benefits and concludes that the ketogenic diet is a safe strategy for promoting healthy body weight, supporting cholesterol balance, and lowering the overall risk of heart disease. 

Healthy Keto is an advanced version of a low-carb diet focusing on nutrient-rich, high-quality foods, including non-GMO organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, full-fat organic dairy and eggs, and wild-caught fish.

This dietary pattern not only supports weight management and reduces inflammation but also provides essential nutrients that promote overall cardiovascular health, making it a sustainable approach for long-term well-being.

2. Practice intermittent fasting 

To maximize the cardiovascular benefits of a low-carb diet, it’s recommended to combine Healthy Keto with intermittent fasting. 

Intermittent fasting is a mealtime schedule that alternates between fasting periods and time-restricted eating windows. The 16:8 fast is a popular routine characterized by fasting for 16 hours, followed by an eight-hour eating period. 

During caloric restriction, the body has to rely on stored body fat to generate energy. This promotes weight loss and supports healthy blood pressure, which is crucial for maintaining healthy heart function.  

In addition, fasting triggers autophagy, a cellular repair and recycling mechanism that helps eliminate damaged cells and regenerate new ones. 

This process plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation in blood vessels, improving heart function, and protecting against the progression of heart disease.

3. Adopt a consistent exercise routine

A consistent exercise routine is vital for cardiovascular health as it strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and helps regulate blood pressure. 

Regular physical activity increases the heart's efficiency, allowing it to pump blood more effectively throughout the body. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, and lowers the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

A balanced exercise regimen, including cardio and strength training, can help improve cardiovascular endurance while building muscle mass and promoting a healthy weight.

4. Consume plenty of vitamin E-rich foods 

Vitamin E is a critical antioxidant nutrient that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and maintaining healthy blood vessels. 

Its powerful antioxidant properties help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of arterial plaque buildup, the leading cause of atherosclerosis-related heart attacks and strokes. 

To maintain adequate levels, it’s important to regularly consume vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, spinach, broccoli, and avocados.

It’s recommended to combine these food sources with healthy fats, such as olive oil and fatty fish, which enhance the intestinal absorption of vitamin E, maximizing its heart-health benefits.

5. Increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids

The importance of omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health can’t be overstated, as they play a vital role in reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving overall heart function. 

The body can’t produce these essential fats and relies on dietary sources to obtain omega-3 fatty acids.  

Key food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel

• Fish oil and cod liver oil 

• Shellfish

• Flaxseeds

• Walnuts

• Chia seeds  

Cod liver oil is a particularly valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids and offers other essential nutrients critical for cardiovascular health, including vitamin D and vitamin A.

While vitamin D helps maintain healthy blood vessels, vitamin A is needed to minimize blood vessel damage, which lowers the risk of plaque buildup and atherosclerosis.

When to talk to your doctor

Although the presence of Frank’s sign appears to be positively correlated with an increased risk of heart disease, not having a diagonal earlobe crease doesn’t guarantee a healthy heart. 

It’s crucial to talk to your doctor if you experience chest pain, high blood pressure, a persistent cough, water retention, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, or poor exercise tolerance. 

In addition, it is recommended that those with a family history of heart disease, smokers, and individuals with poor metabolic health consult a healthcare provider to evaluate their overall cardiovascular function. 

Your doctor may perform a physical examination and recommend further diagnostic tests, such as coronary angiography, to assess any potential narrowing in your arteries.

Key takeaway

Frank’s sign refers to a diagonal crease across the earlobe and has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, as it may indicate poor circulation and arterial narrowing.

Other signs of cardiovascular issues include chest pain, low exercise tolerance, unexplained cough, and fluid retention, all of which warrant immediate medical attention. 

Following a Healthy Keto diet in combination with intermittent fasting and a consistent exercise routine is one of the best strategies to promote a healthy heart and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

FAQ

1. What is the significance of Frank's sign?

The term Frank's sign refers to a diagonal earlobe crease. Frank’s sign is believed to be caused by poor circulation to the head and neck area and can indicate underlying cardiovascular issues, which explains why it appears to be a surprisingly reliable marker for heart disease.

2. What percentage of people have Frank's sign?

Frank’s sign has been observed in more than 70 percent of individuals with heart disease and is more common in older adults. However, it can also appear in healthy individuals, especially as they age, making it a potential but not definitive marker for cardiovascular risk.

3. What causes earlobe creases?

Frank’s sign is believed to develop due to poor blood circulation, particularly in the head and neck region. This impaired circulation may contribute to reduced blood flow to the small blood vessels in the earlobe, leading to poor skin health and the formation of a crease.

4. Is Frank’s sign genetic?

Frank’s sign isn’t believed to be genetic. However, heart disease and related conditions such as atherosclerosis, which are associated with the development of Frank’s sign, often have genetic components. Therefore, those with a family history of cardiovascular disease may be more likely to develop Frank’s sign. 

5. What are the top signs of a heart problem?

The top signs of a heart problem include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. 

In addition, the presence of Frank’s sign, sleep apnea and poor cognitive functions may also indicate poor circulatory health. 

6. How can I improve my heart health? 

Following a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto®, practicing intermittent fasting, and adopting a consistent exercise routine is an excellent strategy for improving cardiovascular health. 

Sources

1. https://www.cureus.com/articles/1046 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9106634/pdf/12024_2022

3. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206916 

4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-005-9001-x