Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors – The Earlobe Crease

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors – The Earlobe Crease

When it comes to cardiovascular disease prevention, most doctors focus on lowering cholesterol, decreasing high blood pressure, and helping patients to lose weight. These symptoms are typically associated with patients that have coronary artery disease, but Dr. William Elliott has been suggesting another symptom for over a decade that is indicative of another risk factor.

Ear Crease - Cardiovascular Disease
The Ear Crease – A Possible Sign of Cardiovascular Disease

Published in The American Journal of Medicine, Dr. Elliott’s study demonstrated that 19 out of 20 people with risk factors for coronary artery disease also had diagonally creased earlobes. A larger study followed, and out of 1,000 people studied in a large hospital, 373 were present with earlobe creases; 275 (74%) had coronary artery disease and 98 (26%) did not. Medical research indicates that the presence of earlobe creases have been a sign of cardiovascular disease since 1973. To date, there are over 50 studies within the literature in regards earlobe creases.

It is believed that the earlobe crease develops when the peripheral blood flow decreases due stresses on the cardiovascular system. With a diminishing blood flow, the capillary beds begin collapse, and eventually the lack of blood flow creates the crease in the earlobe. It is suggested that this is the same reason that frequently accompanies someone with cold extremities (hands, feet, nose), erectile dysfunction, hair loss in the lower leg, shortness of breath, and brain fog or mental confusion. These symptoms are typically indications of early cardiovascular imbalance, and may warrant additional testing in order to rule out a larger problem.

In addition to the above symptoms, other risk factors for cardiovascular disease can be seen from your personal and family medical history, including:

  • Family history of cardiovascular disease
  • Personal history of peripheral artery disease, myocardial infarction, or coronary artery disease
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure (Hypertension)
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Chronic illness
  • Stress
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol use
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor diet
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Hormone replacement
  • Kidney disease
  • Prescription medication use
In addition to exploring the symptoms that someone has, and evaluating their family and personal medical history, certain diagnostic tests may need to be performed in order to complete a comprehensive cardiovascular screening. These blood markers include:
  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL
  • HDL
  • Triglycerides
  • Homocysteine
  • Fibrenogen
  • C-Reactive protein
  • Lipoprotein(a)
  • Ferritin
These simple blood tests can indicate the need for further testing, or additional diagnostic tests which will help the cardiovascular patient to receive the proper care. Heart disease is considered the number one killer in America today with over 950,000 deaths per year. The human body has many ways to warn of potential problems by using symptoms and changes in blood markers. If you experience any of the above symptoms, have your doctor screen for cardiovascular disease. Unsure of where to go? Contact us and we will help!

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