David Beckham, a name familiar across generations, has come under the careful observation of a medical expert who noticed something intriguing about the former footballer’s health.
A diligent doctor has pinpointed a feature that might hint at an underlying health concern. On Beckham’s right earlobe lies a diagonal wrinkle, a small but potentially significant marker referenced as ‘Frank’s Crease.’
This peculiar crease often links back to atherosclerosis, a condition marked by a buildup of fats and substances in artery walls. Such details tend to pique interest, particularly for those vigilant about health and wellness.
Upon further inquiry, Lithuanian cardiologist Rokas Šerpytis delved into Beckham’s family background. History showed a prevalence of critical heart-related incidents, sparking more curiosity.
“It’s not like I have Beckham’s contact info to arrange test follow-ups,” the cardiologist humorously noted, “But delving into family history often reveals much.”
His search revealed an article mentioning Beckham’s hurried visit to England, where his father was in critical care following a heart attack at 59.
Back in 2007, Beckham’s father underwent a procedure to clear blocked arteries. Post-surgery, reports conveyed his stabilization, highlighting the success of immediate medical attention.
This observation had roots in a 1973 study by Dr. Sanders T. Frank. The DELC, as it is known, was first highlighted in 20 patients back then, capturing medical curiosity worldwide.
A 2021 study by Oxford further described the DELC as a significant, albeit not definitive, indicator of coronary artery disease, noting its iconic 45-degree backward angle from the tragus to the earlobe.
Despite persistent curiosity, not all experts are convinced. Dr. Paul D. Thompson, Hartford Hospital’s Chief Cardiologist-Emeritus, dismisses the crease’s significance in heart health.
“This was a topic back in my days at med school, but it never quite held water for us in serious cardiology,” Dr. Thompson expounded. He maintains more contemporary diagnostics take precedence.
Sharing his views with Bored Panda under his 500 Rules of Cardiology, Dr. Thompson reminisced about the long-past school discussions on DELC. Yet, for him, it wasn’t a focus amid the wealth of modern medical insights.
Using state-of-the-art markers, he elaborates, “I don’t prioritize it in evaluations. Many comprehensive measures outweigh its use.” Dr. Thompson’s career experience hasn’t linked the physical feature with cardiac ailments.
Curiously, he mused, “To assign physiological weight to an earlobe crease isn’t straightforward. Surely, I could err, but that’s my stand.”
As Beckham reaches the age of 50, the focus naturally gravitates towards his health, emphasized by his family’s medical history.
A noteworthy statistic: while one in five under-40s exhibit the earlobe crease, it skyrockets to 75% among the over-60s. Yet, only a tenth face heart issues, indicating mixed implications.
The caution may not resound ominously, yet Šerpytis gently advises, “Beckham, at this stage, has much to gain from proactive health measures and managing his risks. It’s crucial.”
