Earlobe Crease

The earlobe crease also appears in diabetes, hypertension, and smokers, but is most strongly associated with heart disease. The earlobe crease is found in 71% of people with coronary artery disease. A diagonal crease running at approximately 45 degrees from the base of the earlobe hole is a well-documented external marker correlated with coronary artery disease. The crease forms because inadequate capillary blood flow to the earlobe causes the local loss of elastin, connective tissue, and cartilage. The earlobe crease indicates that peripheral circulation is compromised, implying the same vascular process is occurring in the coronary and other major arteries. The earlobe crease can be self-checked by looking in a mirror for a diagonal line running at approximately 45 degrees from the base of each earlobe hole.