What your mammogram can tell you about your heart

Key Points:

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. women, with over 60 million affected, and breast arterial calcifications (BACs) seen in routine mammograms may indicate elevated cardiovascular risk.
• BACs are calcium deposits in breast vessels, distinct from cancer-related calcifications, and women with BACs have been found to have up to an 82% higher risk of future cardiovascular events.
• While BACs do not confirm heart disease or necessitate immediate treatment, their presence can prompt follow-up testing and preventive care to manage cardiovascular risk factors.
• Maryland is the first U.S. state to require radiologists to notify patients about BACs on mammograms starting October 2024, encouraging discussions about heart health; some health systems like Northwell Health in New York have already begun voluntary BAC reporting.
• Patient stories highlight the life-saving potential of BAC detection through mammograms, as early cardiovascular issues can be identified and treated before severe events occur.