Background: The use of phenotypic parameters along with other noninvasive diagnostic modality can lead to early diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and prevent its life-threatening outcome. Recently, the application of head and face components for assessing the risk for CAD much attention has been paid. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between ear characteristics (transverse groove on the earlobe and hair growth on the ear) and the risk for CAD and its severity among Iranian patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study population consisted of 105 consecutive patients with suspected CAD undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was determined by the number of disease vessels as well as the presence of left main lesions assessed by coronary angiography. All patients were examined to evaluate the appearance of ear regarding the presence of transverse groove on the earlobe and hair growth on the ear. Results: Comparing cardiovascular parameters across the groups with and without transverse groove on the earlobe showed a higher rate of CAD as well as the higher number of involved coronary arteries than in the groups without transverse groove on the earlobe. Similarly, the presence of CAD and its higher severity were more revealed in patients with hair growth on the ear as compared to the group without this phenotype. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis and with the presence of baseline parameters, the presence of transverse groove on the earlobe and hair growth on the ear increased the risk for CAD by 2.4 and 4.4 fold, respectively. Conclusion: Along with classic cardiovascular risk factors, the role of growing hair on the ear and transverse groove on the ear to predict high risk for CAD should be considered. [GMJ.2019;8:e1443]

Background: The pivotal role of baldness as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disorders remains a debate, and the small body of literature has generated inconsistent findings. We aimed to assess the association between baldness and the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and its severity in a sample of Iranian men. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 105 consecutive patients suspected to CAD and scheduled for elective coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was determined according to the number of involved coronary vessels. For assessing the severity of baldness, the Hamilton-Norwood scale for grading of androgenetic alopecia in males was used. Results: The overall frequency of CAD in the groups with and without baldness was 88.9% and 72.5%, respectively, indicating a significant difference (P=0.033). Similarly, patients with the family history of baldness suffered more from CAD as compared to those without history (93.3% vs.76.0%). However, no significant association was found between the baldness and non-baldness groups with regard to the severity of CAD (P=0.291). According to the multivariable logistic regression model, the presence of baldness could predict the increased likelihood of CAD (or=3.037, P=0.046). Conclusion: Along with traditional risk factors for CAD, the presence of baldness and positive family history of this phenotype could be considered as the primary determinant for the increasing likelihood of CAD. [GMJ.2020;9:e1474]