Mammograms Now Reveal Hidden Heart Disease Risks in Women

Mammograms are now doing more than just screening for breast cancer. Some hospitals in the US have started using them to detect signs of heart disease risk. The change comes as research links calcium deposits in breast blood vessels to future cardiovascular problems.

One of the first to adopt this approach was Jefferson Health in the Greater Philadelphia area. Since August 2022, its mammogram reports have included details about breast arterial calcification (BAC), a marker that could signal higher chances of heart attack or stroke.

Before their appointment, patients at Jefferson Health receive a flyer explaining what BAC is and why it matters. Radiologists examine every mammogram for these calcium deposits and note the findings in the report. The presence of BAC suggests a greater risk of heart complications, though its absence does not rule out other risk factors.

For those wanting a closer look, Jefferson Health—alongside Solis Mammography—offers an optional program called Mammo+Heart. This uses AI software to analyse BAC in more detail.

Meanwhile, research continues into how these notifications affect women's heart health choices. Dr. Matthew Nudy, a cardiologist at Penn State College of Medicine, is studying the connection between BAC and heart disease risk. Other institutions, like Weill Cornell Medicine, are also assessing the impact of including BAC data in routine screenings.

The goal is clear: detecting BAC early could prompt women to adjust their lifestyles or seek medical advice to protect their heart health.

The move to include BAC in mammogram reports marks a shift in preventative care. Women now receive extra information that could help them act before heart problems develop. While more studies are needed, the approach offers a new way to use existing screenings for broader heart health benefits.