Recent advancements in mammography highlight its dual role in breast health and cardiovascular health assessment. While mammograms primarily serve to detect breast cancer, new research indicates they can also identify women at higher risk for heart disease.
Katherine Bormann, who routinely undergoes mammograms, received surprising news during her latest screening. Doctors noted the presence of thin white lines and spots on her breast x-rays, which may signal potential heart issues.
Bormann expressed her surprise, stating, “I would have never thought to go to a cardiologist because I always felt healthy.”
Research indicates that breast arterial calcification (BAC) appears in approximately 12% to 23% of mammogram screenings. A significant study conducted in California involving 5,000 women found that these tiny calcifications are correlated with a 51% increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
As Dr. Nina S. Vincoff, Division Chief of Breast Imaging at Northwell Health, notes, “Every radiologist sees breast arterial calcification. It’s very obvious, but there are no guidelines about including it in your report.” Currently, mammogram reports do not routinely indicate the presence of heart disease red flags.
In line with new guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force, women should begin screening for breast cancer at age 40. However, initiatives are underway to integrate BAC reporting into standard mammogram practices.
At Northwell Health’s Katz Institute, a fresh initiative aims to mandate that all mammogram results include assessments of BAC. If calcifications are detected, women are urged to consult a healthcare provider about their potential heart disease risk.
“If you have that finding, we would work with our patients to modify risk factors: lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and take other preventive measures against heart disease and stroke,” Dr. Nisha I. Parikh, a cardiologist at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, explained.
Following her mammogram results indicating BAC, Bormann consulted a cardiologist, leading to the discovery of severe blockages in her heart arteries. She ultimately underwent a procedure to insert a stent, which significantly improved her heart health.
Reflecting on this experience, Bormann stated, “If they didn’t look for it in me, who knows if I’d be sitting here now… mammogram saved my life.”
While breast cancer often occupies the forefront of health concerns for many women, it’s crucial to recognize heart disease as the leading cause of death among women. Importantly, the absence of BAC does not guarantee low risk for heart disease.
