A major new study suggests routine mammograms may also reveal early warning signs of heart disease — the leading cause of death among women in the United States.
Women who schedule routine mammograms may soon receive more than breast cancer screening results. New research suggests the same imaging test could help detect early warning signs of heart disease — a breakthrough that could transform preventive care for millions of women.
A Recent study published in the European Heart Journal, the flagship journal of the European Society of Cardiology, found that artificial intelligence can analyze mammograms to identify Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) — calcium buildup in breast arteries linked to cardiovascular disease.
Using AI tools, researchers analyzed more than 123,000 mammograms and discovered that women with moderate levels of breast artery calcification had over a 70% higher risk of heart disease, while those with severe calcification faced two to three times greater risk of heart attacks, stroke, or heart failure.
“This technology allows us to extract additional health information from a test women are already receiving,” researchers noted in the study.
A “Two-for-One” Screening Opportunity
Mammograms are primarily used to detect breast cancer, but the new findings suggest they could also serve as an early screening tool for cardiovascular disease — the No. 1 cause of death among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
AI was able to identify risk patterns even in women under 50, a group often considered lower risk for heart disease. Early detection could allow doctors to recommend lifestyle changes or treatments sooner, potentially preventing serious cardiac events later in life.
Cardiologists say the research highlights the growing role of AI in preventive medicine.
“Artificial intelligence can reveal patterns that clinicians might otherwise miss,” said experts involved in the research presented through the European Society of Cardiology. “That creates an opportunity to identify cardiovascular risk much earlier.”
Why This Matters for Women’s Health
For many women — particularly those balancing work, caregiving, and limited access to healthcare — preventive screenings can fall through the cracks. Health experts say the possibility of identifying two major health risks with one appointment could significantly improve outcomes.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45% of women over age 20 in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease, yet many are unaware of their risk.
“This type of innovation helps us use existing screenings more effectively,” the organization notes in its cardiovascular health research.
What Women Should Know
Researchers emphasize that the findings do not replace traditional heart screenings but could complement them.
Women should still follow medical guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommending regular mammograms starting at age 40 for many patients.
The emerging research suggests that in the near future, one routine test may help doctors identify two of the most serious health threats facing women — breast cancer and heart disease.
For patients, the message from doctors remains clear: keeping up with routine screenings could save lives in more ways than one.
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