Mammograms May Detect More Than Breast Cancer - They Could Save Your Heart Too

Mammograms have long been a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. But recent studies and clinical practice are showing they might also help detect something else - early signs of heart disease.

Yes, the same breast X-ray that checks for tumors can also reveal breast arterial calcification (BAC), a potential red flag for cardiovascular risk in women.

What Is BAC and Why Does It Matter?

Breast arterial calcification appears as tiny white specks or lines in the arteries of the breast on a mammogram. While it's not cancerous, these calcium deposits may indicate hardened arteries elsewhere in the body, particularly in the heart.

That matters because heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet it often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late. The opportunity to catch early warning signs during routine breast screenings could be a major breakthrough in preventive care.

How It Works in Practice

At Northwell Health in New York, radiologists have begun reporting BAC findings during mammograms. One woman, Katherine Bormann, credits this shift with saving her life. She had no symptoms, yet her mammogram showed BAC. Further testing revealed a major artery blockage - and a stent was placed before a heart attack could occur.

Other clinics, like Solis Mammography, are launching AI tools to automatically flag BAC and notify both the patient and their doctor.

What the Research Says

A recent study from California involving over 5,000 women found those with BAC had a 51% higher risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Researchers at Harvard and the American Heart Association also found a strong correlation between BAC and cardiovascular events.

Even more promising, AI is entering the picture. Tools like “Mammo+Heart” are being developed to automatically detect BAC from mammograms and help stratify patients by heart risk - offering a second life-saving screening in one.

Why Isn’t This Standard Yet?

• Not all facilities report BAC - even when it’s visible.
• Guidelines haven’t caught up. While more health systems are adopting BAC reporting, there’s no universal standard yet.
• BAC is a marker, not a diagnosis. It's not a substitute for coronary calcium scans or other heart tests, but it can be a powerful early indicator that prompts timely action.

What Should You Do?

✅ Ask your radiologist: If you're getting a mammogram, find out whether your provider checks for and reports BAC.

✅ Know your risk factors: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history all increase your chances of heart disease.

✅ Follow up: If BAC is found, consider speaking with a cardiologist and getting a full heart health workup.

The Bottom Line

Mammograms might soon offer a double benefit - detecting breast cancer and potentially saving women from future heart attacks or strokes. It's a reminder that one screening can tell more than one story.

Speak up and ask questions during your appointments. Your heart - and your life - may depend on it.