"Kim Soo-yong's Frank's Sign Is a Sign of Aging"...A Cardiothoracic Surgeon Explains the Real Early Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction [Health Talk]

[Financial News] In response to the growing online belief that Frank's sign may be an early indicator of myocardial infarction (MI), a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon stated that it is difficult to establish a medical causal relationship.
On the 3rd, the tvN program 'You Quiz on the Block' featured Yoo Jae-seok, a professor of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Seoul Asan Medical Center. Professor Yoo is known as the real-life inspiration for Professor Kim Jun-wan (played by Jung Kyung-ho) in the drama 'Hospital Playlist.'
Professor Yoo explained, "Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of sudden death. It occurs when the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked, resulting in necrosis of the heart muscle. Recently, the incidence of MI among younger people has been rapidly increasing due to dietary habits, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking."
He added, "Angina pectoris often precedes MI. Angina pectoris refers to chest pain caused by narrowing of the heart's blood vessels. When this happens, the area deprived of blood supply becomes necrotic."
He emphasized that the golden time for treating MI is two to three hours, making emergency interventions such as stent insertion crucial.
The broadcast also mentioned the recent case of broadcaster Kim Soo-yong, who collapsed from acute MI during a YouTube shoot and was transported to the hospital. Following this, online discussions spread the idea that Kim Soo-yong's Frank's sign could be an early symptom of MI.
Professor Yoo stated, "After seeing the news about Kim Soo-yong, I noticed the focus on Frank's sign and reviewed several papers and materials. The first person to identify this was Dr. Sanders Frank, which is why it is called 'Frank's sign.' However, it is somewhat unreasonable to claim a clear medical cause-and-effect relationship."
He continued, "Ultimately, wrinkles on the earlobe are simply a sign of aging. There is no need to be overly concerned about cardiovascular disease just because you have Frank's sign."
As for early symptoms of MI, he pointed to "chest pain similar to that of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)." He explained, "GERD symptoms are relieved by drinking water, but MI pain does not subside."

gaa1003@fnnews.com An Ga-eul Reporter