What your Mammogram Might Reveal About Your Heart Health

During a mammogram, radiologists sometimes notice calcium buildup not only in breast tissue, but in the arteries of the breast — known as breast arterial calcification (BAC).

While BAC is harmless in the breast itself, studies show it may be a warning sign of calcium deposits in the heart’s arteries, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death among women. Because mammograms are often done years before most women undergo heart screenings, this incidental finding can provide a valuable early alert.

Experts say that women whose mammograms reveal BAC should talk with their doctor about further heart evaluation, including blood pressure, cholesterol and lifestyle factors. It’s another example of how preventive screenings can uncover more than what they were originally designed to detect.