The latest on earlobe creases?

[Kellygirl6]

Dear Doctor,

What is the current thinking on earlobe creases?  Do Cardiologists use this marker during an exam?  I am 39, female, and I have a long crease in my left ear and half crease in my right.  I do have controlled cholesterol and blood pressure.  I read some scary things on the internet about this topic, causing me to wonder if I already have or will develop CAD. I am terrified and depressed over this.  I have never had a doctor ask me to see my earlobe, making me think that this must not be a very valuable tool.  What do doctors think?  The studies out there seem to be conflicting.

Thank you much!

[Forum-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,
This questions gets asked about once per year.  I can honestly tell you that I have never examined an earlobe crease or read an article in a medical journal about its prognostic significance.  The major risk factors are: family history, hypertension, increased LDL cholesterol/decreased HDL cholesterol, smoking, diabetes.  There are many minor risk factors as well, but earlobe creases is not on the list.
Hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.

[LynnSB]

I have a long crease on my left lobe but not one at all on my right! I've wondered that more exposure to sun on the left side ( from driving) might have caused it but I've sure heard about the heart disease connection. I had the cardiac  calcium CT scan 2 years ago and I scored a zero so I hope and pray I am heart disease free but the crease does worry me. Thanks for asking the question!

[ireneo]

I personally think it's hooey. I've developed a bit of a crease on my left lobe. But I'm older, skin is not as elastic as it used to be and I sleep on my left side most of the night. Maybe a connection there? Except for my lifelong arrhythmias, my heart is just fine.

[wmac]

Well I have a bigger crease on my right side and I truely believe its because when on the phone thats the side I use. Makes sense to me. Im on the phone all time at work.
wmac

[ReelEscape]

When the earlobe crease thing came to light about 20-25 years ago I was concerned because I had VERY noticeable creases in both lobes.  I noticed about two years ago that the creases are gone.  I am 72.  My advice, worry about the known CAD causes and forget the sensationalist quacks.

[Kellygirl6]

Thank you all for your posts.  Very Helpful!

[Kellygirl6]

Thank you all for your posts.  Very Helpful!

[Kellygirl6]

Hello,  Curious why you think the creases may have dissapeared over the years.  Had anything changed?  Thank you.  

[ReelEscape]

Lots of things have changed.  I was without symptoms of anything at the time, now have a list of ailments, including PACs/PVCs/ Atrial Fib as long as your arm.  Weight is less by 30 lbs.  Have no logical clue as to why the creases disappeared, and no idea when it happened.

[PPL]

A related discussion, Ear lobe creases together with family history was started.