Breast Arterial Calcification: What It Means for Your Heart Health
When you go for a routine mammogram, your doctor is usually looking for signs of breast cancer. But did you know that your mammogram might also reveal important clues about your heart health? One of these clues is breast arterial calcification (BAC)—calcium buildup in the arteries of the breast. While BAC is not linked to breast cancer, it can be a warning sign of heart disease.
What Is Breast Arterial Calcification?
Breast arterial calcification appears as white, thread-like deposits on a mammogram. It happens when calcium builds up in the walls of the small arteries in the breast. Unlike calcifications related to cancer, BAC is typically considered harmless on its own. However, research suggests that BAC may indicate a higher risk of heart disease because it reflects calcium buildup in the body’s arteries—including those leading to the heart.
BAC and Your Heart Disease Risk
Recent studies have found that women with BAC are more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke. One study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging showed that women with BAC had a 51% higher chance of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke compared to those without it.
Another study in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that BAC is often linked to coronary artery calcification, a condition that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. This means that BAC could be an early warning sign of heart problems—especially for women who may not have any symptoms yet.
Why This Matters for Women's Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet it is often underdiagnosed. Many women don’t realize they’re at risk until they experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Since BAC can be detected on a routine mammogram, it gives doctors a unique opportunity to assess your heart health early.
Unfortunately, many radiologists do not routinely report BAC in mammogram results. If you’ve had a mammogram, you might want to ask your doctor whether BAC was found and what it could mean for your heart health. If BAC is present, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, cholesterol tests, or lifestyle changes to protect your heart.
How Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown and My Heart Spark P.C. Can Help
If you’re concerned about your heart health, Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown, a board-certified cardiologist and founder of My Heart Spark P.C., can help. She specializes in preventive cardiology and cardio-oncology, offering virtual consultations to help patients understand their risk factors and take proactive steps for heart health. Through My Heart Spark P.C., Dr. Brown provides personalized heart care for women, helping them stay ahead of cardiovascular disease.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health
If you’ve been told you have BAC or simply want to understand your heart disease risk better, it’s important to speak with a cardiologist. Early detection can make a big difference in preventing heart disease and stroke.
Next steps:
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Ask your doctor if BAC was found on your mammogram.
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Get your heart disease risk assessed.
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Consider speaking with a specialist like Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown for personalized care.
Your heart health matters.
Taking action today can help you live a longer, healthier life.