Diagonal earlobe crease: a coronary risk factor, a genetic marker of coronary heart disease, or a mere wrinkle. Ancient Greco-Roman evidence.

In a new study on the relationship between the diagonal earlobe crease (DELC), first described by Frank in 1973, and the presence of chronic ischemic heart disease, four main hypotheses are presented. Hypothesis 1: DELC is a coronary risk factor or a marker of coronary risk factor. Hypothesis 2: DELC is a genetic marker of atherosclerotic coronary disease.

Evaluation of the electrocardiographic signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, using the echocardiography in patients with hypertensive cardiopathy.

The electrocardiography (ECG) contribution in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) associated to arterial hypertension was evaluated in 54 hypertensive patients, 39 men and 15 women, with a mean age of 51.6 years, mean systolic and diastolic pressure 186 +/- 46 and 111 +/- 46 mmHg, respectively. The investigations included routine clinical and biologic tests as well as standard ECG in 12 derivations, Frank vectorial ECG and mono and bidimensional echocardiography (ECOCG).