Routine mammography, commonly used for the early detection of breast cancer, can also help identify risks to the heart and blood vessels. This was shown by a study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference.
Researchers in the United States found that standard mammographic images often reveal calcium deposits in the arteries of the breast, and the presence of these deposits is associated with a higher likelihood of future heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
An analysis of data from more than 10,000 women showed that approximately one in five already had arterial calcification detected at their first mammography screening. Importantly, not only the presence of calcification mattered, but also its progression: women whose calcium deposits increased over time faced a significantly higher risk of serious cardiovascular events. In some cases, noticeable progression was observed within just one year.
According to the researchers, mammography does not require additional radiation exposure or extra financial costs. The authors note that if information about arterial calcification is routinely included in radiology reports, it could serve as an early signal for assessing cardiovascular risk—prompting checks of blood pressure and cholesterol levels and the initiation of preventive measures long before symptoms appear.
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