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'Frank's Sign' on Donald Trump's ear could be a huge indicator that he has a potentially fatal health condition
A detail known as "Frank's Sign" on President Trump's ear could be a huge indicator of a potentially fatal health condition, according to reports.
The 79-year-old sparked health concerns after he was seen with a rash on his neck during the Medal of Honor Ceremony on Monday (March 2).
Trump’s personal doctor, Dr. Sean Barbabella, issued a statement, clarifying that the reddish spot, seen just above the collar of the president's shirt, was caused by a "preventative skin treatment".
“President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment,” he said. “The president is using the treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”
Dr. Barbabella added that the rash was not linked to any serious underlying condition.
Emerging Concern: Frank's Sign on Trump’s Ear
However, David Pakman, host of The David Pakman Show, analyzed the pictures and pointed out that there was a diagonal crease in Trump’s earlobe, which could indicate a serious health issue, specifically coronary artery disease.
Pakman explained that Frank’s sign, which was first described by Dr. Sanders Frank in 1973, is a diagonal crease in the earlobe often seen in patients with cardiovascular conditions.
"Since 1973, that's like what 150 years now or something, there have been multiple studies looking at the correlation, not necessarily causative, but a correlation between that ear crease called Frank's Sign and cardiovascular disease," he said.
"There is research that has found that people with the crease are significantly more likely to be suffering from atherosclerosis. The theory is small blood vessel damage may be notable in the earlobe tissue causes the sign and correlates with coronary artery disease," he noted.
Although Pakman acknowledged that Frank’s Sign is not a definitive diagnosis of heart disease, he emphasized the importance of paying attention to it, especially considering Trump’s age.
"Trump is also almost 80 years old. He's going to be 80 in three months. Skin creases and folds would be expected and normal. doesn't really prove anything. And then you can also have situations where lighting and camera angles, they might make Frank's mark more notable," he said.
He added: "But that diagonal crease visible in photos is very similar to what doctors look at and say, 'Oh, that should make us really look at atherosclerosis coronary artery disease.'"
Ongoing Health Issues and Medical History
The concern surrounding Trump’s health is not new. In the last few months, he has faced a series of health-related issues, including a bruised hand that Barbabella later said was “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen," per BBC News.
The doctor also revealed that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a “benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," Forbes reported.
Despite these conditions, Trump has been cleared of more serious illnesses, with tests showing no signs of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.