Mammograms can do more than detect breast cancer – they also offer important clues on heart health

Mammograms, routinely performed to screen for breast cancer in women over 40, serve a secondary purpose beyond cancer detection. These imaging tests can reveal calcium deposits in the medium-sized arteries that supply blood to the breast, a discovery that offers valuable insights into a woman's heart health. These calcium deposits, known as breast arterial calcification (BAC), may signal an elevated risk of heart disease or stroke.

As a cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular health during menopause, I have examined how mammograms could aid in identifying women at higher risk of cardiovascular issues. The advent of artificial intelligence has made the detection of these calcium deposits, or BAC, more straightforward. In October 2026, Maryland became the first U.S. state to mandate that mammography centers inform patients in writing if BAC is detected in their mammograms.

This is the first step in a growing trend that other states may soon follow. The presence of these calcium deposits is a robust marker for cardiovascular risk. Research has consistently shown that women with BAC have a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular-related death compared to those without.

While the discovery of BAC does not confirm the presence of heart disease or a blocked artery, its absence should not be taken as a guarantee of cardiovascular health. Integrating artificial intelligence into the analysis of mammograms has improved the ability to accurately measure and report the extent of BAC. With age, the likelihood of developing BAC increases, and AI tools can provide a metric to assess this risk better, aligning with the way breast density is currently reported.

Maryland's legislation is a step towards ensuring women with BAC have an opportunity to discuss heart health with their healthcare providers. While further research is needed to determine if treating women based on the presence of BAC can prevent heart attacks or strokes, the evidence already suggests a link between this marker and cardiovascular disease.