Diagonal Ear-Lobe Crease: Prevalence and Implications as a Coronary Risk Factor

Abstract

THE diagonal ear-lobe crease described below appears more commonly in patients with coronary heart disease and should be regarded as a coronary risk factor. Although other risk factors may be present in the same patient, this crease is easily noticed and serves to identify this high-risk group.MethodDuring a three-year period from July, 1970, through June, 1973, 531 patients with acute myocardial infarction were observed in a coronary-care unit.Questionnaires were completed at the time of admission concerning the presence or absence of the diagonal ear crease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking habits. The ear crease was judged to . . .