Mammograms May Detect Hidden Heart Disease Risk in Women

Mammograms, commonly used to screen for breast cancer, may also offer insights into a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Professor Rob Galloway.

While patients typically focus on cancer detection during a mammogram, the imaging technique can reveal signs of arterial calcification, a strong indicator of potential heart problems. Professor Galloway notes that women are often under-diagnosed and under-treated for heart conditions. He suggests that this overlooked aspect of mammography could help identify cardiovascular risks that might otherwise be missed by doctors.

Recent research indicates that mammograms could become a routine tool for assessing cardiovascular disease risk in the near future. Studies have shown that women with mild calcification detected during mammograms have approximately a 30 percent higher risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, compared to those without calcification.

This potential dual-purpose screening could lead to earlier interventions and improved management of heart health among women, addressing a gap in current diagnostic practices.