Earlobe crease may signal hidden heart danger in smokers
NCT ID NCT07427745
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study examined 404 adults aged 40-59 to see if a diagonal crease on the earlobe, known as Frank's sign, is more common in smokers. Researchers took ear photos and recorded medical histories. The goal was to see if this simple, non-invasive sign could help doctors quickly identify people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to smoking.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If confirmed, this simple ear check could help doctors quickly spot people at higher risk for heart disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed observational study, not a treatment trial. The link between Frank's sign and smoking is not proven to predict heart disease in all groups.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Samsun University Training and Research Hospital (Samsun City Hospital)
Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)
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