Mammograms, long used to detect breast cancer, could now provide valuable insights into heart disease risk. Some radiology practices are offering additional screening to identify arterial calcifications in the breast—potential markers for cardiovascular disease—using artificial intelligence. While this type of screening offers new possibilities, some experts urge caution, noting that more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, NPR reported.
Washington Radiology, with locations in the D.C. area, is one of several providers offering this AI-based service. For an additional fee, patients can opt to have their mammograms analyzed for arterial calcifications, which appear as parallel white lines on the X-ray.
These calcifications could indicate heart disease risk, but the correlation isn’t definitive. Greg Sorensen, chief science officer at RadNet, notes that breast artery calcifications differ from coronary artery calcifications, which are a more established indicator of heart disease.
Some studies suggest a link between breast arterial calcification (BAC) and cardiovascular events, especially in postmenopausal women. One study found that women with BAC had a 23% increased risk of heart disease and a 51% higher chance of heart attack or stroke over a 6.5-year period. However, most cardiovascular events occurred in women without BAC, highlighting the need for a cautious approach in interpreting the results.
Experts like Dr. Sadiya Khan from Northwestern Medicine recommend restraint, warning that it is premature to assess heart disease risk solely based on BAC. Khan emphasizes the importance of broader clinical evaluations, which typically include lifestyle assessments and cholesterol-lowering treatments if needed.
Despite some skepticism, healthcare providers see value in these screenings. At the Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute in Florida, every mammogram includes an evaluation for arterial calcification. If calcification is detected, the patient is referred to a cardiologist to discuss heart health, fostering meaningful conversations about cardiovascular risk.
The new screening aligns with efforts to raise awareness of heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. According to the CDC, heart disease claimed over 300,000 women’s lives in 2021. Many women remain unaware of their risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive drinking.
While patients can already use online calculators to estimate their heart disease risk, incorporating BAC findings into routine care offers another opportunity to engage with healthcare providers about prevention. A recent study showed that 57% of women who were informed about their BAC results discussed them with their doctors, potentially prompting proactive care.
Though more research is needed to confirm whether reporting BAC reduces heart attacks or strokes, radiologist Laura Heacock of NYU Langone Health sees promise in these screenings. “This provides another entry point for discussions about cardiovascular health,” Heacock notes. As more clinics explore these options, patients may gain new ways to address heart disease risk during their routine mammogram visits.
Assistance from artificial intelligence was used in creating this report.