New Potential Use For Mammograms

UNITED STATES – New research suggests routine mammograms could do more than detect breast cancer as they may now help predict heart attacks and strokes by spotting calcium buildup in breast arteries.

The study recently presented at the American Heart Association’s Conference, found women with Breast Artery Calcification or BAC were twice as likely to suffer major cardiovascular events within 10 years.

Researchers say BAC may be a stronger risk indicator than current heart disease screening tools, especially in women deemed “low-risk.”

Experts now hope guidelines will soon encourage radiologists to flag BAC, a step they say could lead to earlier, lifesaving intervention.