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Hello, I Suspect You’ve Fielded This Question A Few Times
Question: Hello,
I suspect you’ve fielded this question a few times but I haven’t seen in answered anywhere specifically by a cardiologist. I’m a 42 YO white male, no history of heart disease, always excellent cholesterol and triglycerides, non smoker, moderate drinker, healthy eater (with the occasional lapse), never high BP...in other words no major classic risk factors for CAD except for some inheritance, which is questionable. I have yearly blood work and periodic EKG’s for my job, which have all been fine. The other day I found this reference to earlobe creases, and wouldn’t you know it, I have a fine, complete wrinkle on my left ear and perhaps the beginning of one on my right. From what I gather this sign isn’t generally taken seriously by practitioners, but the myriad studies I have seen mostly point to a connection, in some cases indicating that I have a nearly 80 percent chance of having CAD.
I have also read that this is an independent risk factor from all the others, which would make it seem that there is nothing else I could do in terms of lifestyle to mitigate it. I’m sure I’ve been mining the internet too much, but I’m actually terrified and suddenly convinced I’m a walking heart attack. I’m going to see my GP later this month. What is your opinion about this and what should I discuss with them? I’m not sure I could simply accept a wave off and go on as though this doesn’t exist.
Thanks!
I suspect you’ve fielded this question a few times but I haven’t seen in answered anywhere specifically by a cardiologist. I’m a 42 YO white male, no history of heart disease, always excellent cholesterol and triglycerides, non smoker, moderate drinker, healthy eater (with the occasional lapse), never high BP...in other words no major classic risk factors for CAD except for some inheritance, which is questionable. I have yearly blood work and periodic EKG’s for my job, which have all been fine. The other day I found this reference to earlobe creases, and wouldn’t you know it, I have a fine, complete wrinkle on my left ear and perhaps the beginning of one on my right. From what I gather this sign isn’t generally taken seriously by practitioners, but the myriad studies I have seen mostly point to a connection, in some cases indicating that I have a nearly 80 percent chance of having CAD.
I have also read that this is an independent risk factor from all the others, which would make it seem that there is nothing else I could do in terms of lifestyle to mitigate it. I’m sure I’ve been mining the internet too much, but I’m actually terrified and suddenly convinced I’m a walking heart attack. I’m going to see my GP later this month. What is your opinion about this and what should I discuss with them? I’m not sure I could simply accept a wave off and go on as though this doesn’t exist.
Thanks!
Hello,
I suspect you’ve fielded this question a few times but I haven’t seen in answered anywhere specifically by a cardiologist. I’m a 42 YO white male, no history of heart disease, always excellent cholesterol and triglycerides, non smoker, moderate drinker, healthy eater (with the occasional lapse), never high BP...in other words no major classic risk factors for CAD except for some inheritance, which is questionable. I have yearly blood work and periodic EKG’s for my job, which have all been fine. The other day I found this reference to earlobe creases, and wouldn’t you know it, I have a fine, complete wrinkle on my left ear and perhaps the beginning of one on my right. From what I gather this sign isn’t generally taken seriously by practitioners, but the myriad studies I have seen mostly point to a connection, in some cases indicating that I have a nearly 80 percent chance of having CAD.
I have also read that this is an independent risk factor from all the others, which would make it seem that there is nothing else I could do in terms of lifestyle to mitigate it. I’m sure I’ve been mining the internet too much, but I’m actually terrified and suddenly convinced I’m a walking heart attack. I’m going to see my GP later this month. What is your opinion about this and what should I discuss with them? I’m not sure I could simply accept a wave off and go on as though this doesn’t exist.
Thanks!
I suspect you’ve fielded this question a few times but I haven’t seen in answered anywhere specifically by a cardiologist. I’m a 42 YO white male, no history of heart disease, always excellent cholesterol and triglycerides, non smoker, moderate drinker, healthy eater (with the occasional lapse), never high BP...in other words no major classic risk factors for CAD except for some inheritance, which is questionable. I have yearly blood work and periodic EKG’s for my job, which have all been fine. The other day I found this reference to earlobe creases, and wouldn’t you know it, I have a fine, complete wrinkle on my left ear and perhaps the beginning of one on my right. From what I gather this sign isn’t generally taken seriously by practitioners, but the myriad studies I have seen mostly point to a connection, in some cases indicating that I have a nearly 80 percent chance of having CAD.
I have also read that this is an independent risk factor from all the others, which would make it seem that there is nothing else I could do in terms of lifestyle to mitigate it. I’m sure I’ve been mining the internet too much, but I’m actually terrified and suddenly convinced I’m a walking heart attack. I’m going to see my GP later this month. What is your opinion about this and what should I discuss with them? I’m not sure I could simply accept a wave off and go on as though this doesn’t exist.
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I passed carefully through your question and would agree with you on the fact that it seems to be an increased cardio-vascular risk related to earlobe creases.
Anyway, I would like to directly a photo of your earlobes for a more professional opinion.
It is also true that physicians do not consider this finding really concerning, because the patients should have at least typical chest pain (angina) and other risk factors (smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.) in order to be considered possible CAD patient and investigate on this possible disorder.
That is why, I don't think that even the presence of earlobe creases does not make you prone to a heart attack, in the absence of any clinical symptoms or past medical history.
So, just relax and don't worry about it!
Dr. Internet is not the best doctor to consult with, because there is so much information and not specific to a certain individual that it can mislead you into a lot of wrong directions and thus cause unnecessary panic.
I would just recommend periodical check up with your GP including a resting ECG, blood lipid profile and other routine blood lab tests every 12 months.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I passed carefully through your question and would agree with you on the fact that it seems to be an increased cardio-vascular risk related to earlobe creases.
Anyway, I would like to directly a photo of your earlobes for a more professional opinion.
It is also true that physicians do not consider this finding really concerning, because the patients should have at least typical chest pain (angina) and other risk factors (smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.) in order to be considered possible CAD patient and investigate on this possible disorder.
That is why, I don't think that even the presence of earlobe creases does not make you prone to a heart attack, in the absence of any clinical symptoms or past medical history.
So, just relax and don't worry about it!
Dr. Internet is not the best doctor to consult with, because there is so much information and not specific to a certain individual that it can mislead you into a lot of wrong directions and thus cause unnecessary panic.
I would just recommend periodical check up with your GP including a resting ECG, blood lipid profile and other routine blood lab tests every 12 months.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I passed carefully through your question and would agree with you on the fact that it seems to be an increased cardio-vascular risk related to earlobe creases.
Anyway, I would like to directly a photo of your earlobes for a more professional opinion.
It is also true that physicians do not consider this finding really concerning, because the patients should have at least typical chest pain (angina) and other risk factors (smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.) in order to be considered possible CAD patient and investigate on this possible disorder.
That is why, I don't think that even the presence of earlobe creases does not make you prone to a heart attack, in the absence of any clinical symptoms or past medical history.
So, just relax and don't worry about it!
Dr. Internet is not the best doctor to consult with, because there is so much information and not specific to a certain individual that it can mislead you into a lot of wrong directions and thus cause unnecessary panic.
I would just recommend periodical check up with your GP including a resting ECG, blood lipid profile and other routine blood lab tests every 12 months.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I passed carefully through your question and would agree with you on the fact that it seems to be an increased cardio-vascular risk related to earlobe creases.
Anyway, I would like to directly a photo of your earlobes for a more professional opinion.
It is also true that physicians do not consider this finding really concerning, because the patients should have at least typical chest pain (angina) and other risk factors (smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.) in order to be considered possible CAD patient and investigate on this possible disorder.
That is why, I don't think that even the presence of earlobe creases does not make you prone to a heart attack, in the absence of any clinical symptoms or past medical history.
So, just relax and don't worry about it!
Dr. Internet is not the best doctor to consult with, because there is so much information and not specific to a certain individual that it can mislead you into a lot of wrong directions and thus cause unnecessary panic.
I would just recommend periodical check up with your GP including a resting ECG, blood lipid profile and other routine blood lab tests every 12 months.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Sharka,
Thanks for the prompt response. I suspected that would be the logical course of action, but given the mysterious nature of this connection and some of the dire predictions even absent other history, it had me concerned. I was thinking of requesting some non invasive testing such as a stress test to be sure. My job depends on my health and I need to know I can do it for the long haul. On a related note, I spend hours every day with an aviation headset on, which might contribute to some kind of creasing or distortion - probably not but a possibility. Please let me know what you think of the photos - ear selfies are not the easiest art form to capture. The right ear does have a very faint beginning of a crease near the ear hole that’s just not coming out on the picture. Thanks again!
Thanks for the prompt response. I suspected that would be the logical course of action, but given the mysterious nature of this connection and some of the dire predictions even absent other history, it had me concerned. I was thinking of requesting some non invasive testing such as a stress test to be sure. My job depends on my health and I need to know I can do it for the long haul. On a related note, I spend hours every day with an aviation headset on, which might contribute to some kind of creasing or distortion - probably not but a possibility. Please let me know what you think of the photos - ear selfies are not the easiest art form to capture. The right ear does have a very faint beginning of a crease near the ear hole that’s just not coming out on the picture. Thanks again!
Dr. Sharka,
Thanks for the prompt response. I suspected that would be the logical course of action, but given the mysterious nature of this connection and some of the dire predictions even absent other history, it had me concerned. I was thinking of requesting some non invasive testing such as a stress test to be sure. My job depends on my health and I need to know I can do it for the long haul. On a related note, I spend hours every day with an aviation headset on, which might contribute to some kind of creasing or distortion - probably not but a possibility. Please let me know what you think of the photos - ear selfies are not the easiest art form to capture. The right ear does have a very faint beginning of a crease near the ear hole that’s just not coming out on the picture. Thanks again!
Thanks for the prompt response. I suspected that would be the logical course of action, but given the mysterious nature of this connection and some of the dire predictions even absent other history, it had me concerned. I was thinking of requesting some non invasive testing such as a stress test to be sure. My job depends on my health and I need to know I can do it for the long haul. On a related note, I spend hours every day with an aviation headset on, which might contribute to some kind of creasing or distortion - probably not but a possibility. Please let me know what you think of the photos - ear selfies are not the easiest art form to capture. The right ear does have a very faint beginning of a crease near the ear hole that’s just not coming out on the picture. Thanks again!
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Unfortunately I can not see any photos attached to this question.
Could you please try to upload again your photos?
I agree with you on the fact that the changes to your ear lobe could be related to your profession.
As you have no symptoms ( chest pain, shortness of breath, etc) or any other cardiovascular risk factors ( arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, family history etc.) there is no reason to worry about any heart attack.
Anyway, I agree with you on the fact that an exercise cardiac stress test would help exclude coronary artery disease and calm your anxiety ( although I am really sure that it will result normal).
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Regards ,
Dr.Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Unfortunately I can not see any photos attached to this question.
Could you please try to upload again your photos?
I agree with you on the fact that the changes to your ear lobe could be related to your profession.
As you have no symptoms ( chest pain, shortness of breath, etc) or any other cardiovascular risk factors ( arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, family history etc.) there is no reason to worry about any heart attack.
Anyway, I agree with you on the fact that an exercise cardiac stress test would help exclude coronary artery disease and calm your anxiety ( although I am really sure that it will result normal).
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Regards ,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Unfortunately I can not see any photos attached to this question.
Could you please try to upload again your photos?
I agree with you on the fact that the changes to your ear lobe could be related to your profession.
As you have no symptoms ( chest pain, shortness of breath, etc) or any other cardiovascular risk factors ( arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, family history etc.) there is no reason to worry about any heart attack.
Anyway, I agree with you on the fact that an exercise cardiac stress test would help exclude coronary artery disease and calm your anxiety ( although I am really sure that it will result normal).
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Regards ,
Dr.Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Unfortunately I can not see any photos attached to this question.
Could you please try to upload again your photos?
I agree with you on the fact that the changes to your ear lobe could be related to your profession.
As you have no symptoms ( chest pain, shortness of breath, etc) or any other cardiovascular risk factors ( arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, family history etc.) there is no reason to worry about any heart attack.
Anyway, I agree with you on the fact that an exercise cardiac stress test would help exclude coronary artery disease and calm your anxiety ( although I am really sure that it will result normal).
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Regards ,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
I just happen to be online at the moment...have uploaded them successfully under “upload new reports.” Please let me know if you got them. Thanks again!
I just happen to be online at the moment...have uploaded them successfully under “upload new reports.” Please let me know if you got them. Thanks again!
Brief Answer:
I don't see any earlobe creases in your ears.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I just reviewed carefully your uploaded photos and I can not see any ear lobe crease in these photos.
Maybe in the left ear, there is a tendency for ealobe crease, but it could be related to the position and the headset that you have been holding.
Anyway, I don't think that this is really concerning and I don't think that you are at any increased cardio-vascular risk because of your earlobe anatomy (which is certainly not earlobe crease).
So, in my opinion, there is no need for any exercise cardiac stress test, as long as you follow your healthy lifestyle and have no symptoms.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I don't see any earlobe creases in your ears.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I just reviewed carefully your uploaded photos and I can not see any ear lobe crease in these photos.
Maybe in the left ear, there is a tendency for ealobe crease, but it could be related to the position and the headset that you have been holding.
Anyway, I don't think that this is really concerning and I don't think that you are at any increased cardio-vascular risk because of your earlobe anatomy (which is certainly not earlobe crease).
So, in my opinion, there is no need for any exercise cardiac stress test, as long as you follow your healthy lifestyle and have no symptoms.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I don't see any earlobe creases in your ears.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I just reviewed carefully your uploaded photos and I can not see any ear lobe crease in these photos.
Maybe in the left ear, there is a tendency for ealobe crease, but it could be related to the position and the headset that you have been holding.
Anyway, I don't think that this is really concerning and I don't think that you are at any increased cardio-vascular risk because of your earlobe anatomy (which is certainly not earlobe crease).
So, in my opinion, there is no need for any exercise cardiac stress test, as long as you follow your healthy lifestyle and have no symptoms.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I don't see any earlobe creases in your ears.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I just reviewed carefully your uploaded photos and I can not see any ear lobe crease in these photos.
Maybe in the left ear, there is a tendency for ealobe crease, but it could be related to the position and the headset that you have been holding.
Anyway, I don't think that this is really concerning and I don't think that you are at any increased cardio-vascular risk because of your earlobe anatomy (which is certainly not earlobe crease).
So, in my opinion, there is no need for any exercise cardiac stress test, as long as you follow your healthy lifestyle and have no symptoms.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Illiri,
Well, that’s exactly why I contacted you. I certainly wouldn’t want to make any rash decisions based solely on the wild information the internet provides. That’s a relief to know, obviously I take my health very seriously since my livelihood depends on it. I’ll simply continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as I already do, in case things do progress into more dangerous territory. Thank you very much for your time and wise counsel!
Well, that’s exactly why I contacted you. I certainly wouldn’t want to make any rash decisions based solely on the wild information the internet provides. That’s a relief to know, obviously I take my health very seriously since my livelihood depends on it. I’ll simply continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as I already do, in case things do progress into more dangerous territory. Thank you very much for your time and wise counsel!
Dr. Illiri,
Well, that’s exactly why I contacted you. I certainly wouldn’t want to make any rash decisions based solely on the wild information the internet provides. That’s a relief to know, obviously I take my health very seriously since my livelihood depends on it. I’ll simply continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as I already do, in case things do progress into more dangerous territory. Thank you very much for your time and wise counsel!
Well, that’s exactly why I contacted you. I certainly wouldn’t want to make any rash decisions based solely on the wild information the internet provides. That’s a relief to know, obviously I take my health very seriously since my livelihood depends on it. I’ll simply continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as I already do, in case things do progress into more dangerous territory. Thank you very much for your time and wise counsel!
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am really glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please don't hesitate to ask me again directly!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions at any time!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am really glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please don't hesitate to ask me again directly!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions at any time!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am really glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please don't hesitate to ask me again directly!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions at any time!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am really glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please don't hesitate to ask me again directly!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions at any time!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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