Breast x-rays, better known as mammograms, are typically used to detect breast cancer. But the pictures also show whether arteries in the breast have calcified.
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
Women who show up for mammograms are gauging their risk of breast cancer, and it turns out they have an opportunity to gauge their risk of another disease. Jackie Fortier with our partner KFF Health News has the story.
JACKIE FORTIER, BYLINE: Breast X-rays, better known as mammograms, are typically used to detect breast cancer, but the pictures also show whether arteries in the breast have calcified.
HEATHER JOHNSON: It looks like a thickened white line.
FORTIER: That’s Dr. Heather Johnson. She’s a preventive cardiologist in Boca Raton, Florida. She says those thick white lines are sometimes associated with heart disease risk and are unrelated to breast cancer. They’ve been visible on mammograms for decades, but the information hasn’t typically been shared with patients. Johnson says women want to know.
JOHNSON: They want to be aware and also be able to have the next steps available to address it.
FORTIER: At Dr. Johnson’s practice, looking for calcifications in the arteries of the breast is part of a routine mammogram and doesn’t cost extra. But some mammography practices are charging – sometimes over $100 – to have artificial intelligence algorithms look for those calcifications. Often, this extra cost isn’t covered by insurance, says Dr. Sadiya Khan. She’s a preventive cardiologist in Chicago.
SADIYA KHAN: It should raise a flag. Why isn’t a health insurance company paying for it? Probably because the evidence isn’t strong enough to suggest that they should be paying for it.
FORTIER: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. But Khan says looking for calcifications in breast arteries is not a proven screening tool.
KHAN: Just because you have breast artery calcification does not mean you have calcification in your heart arteries or have heart disease, and vice versa. So the false reassurance is also a potential concern.
FORTIER: How can you tell if you’re at risk of heart disease? You can fill out an online risk calculator with your doctor. There’s one on the American Heart Association’s website. It takes into account your blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, among other health indicators. These are proven metrics that can point to a risk of heart disease, and it’s free.
I’m Jackie Fortier in Los Angeles.
INSKEEP: Jackie with KFF Health News. Michelle Andrews also contributed.
(SOUNDBITE OF SOUL FOOD HORNS AND COCABONA’S “OAK”)
Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
In conclusion, mammograms not only help in detecting breast cancer but also provide information about calcifications in the arteries of the breast, which may indicate heart disease risk. While this additional screening tool is not yet widely accepted and covered by insurance, it raises awareness among women about their heart health. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive evaluation of heart disease risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can breast artery calcifications indicate heart disease?
While there is a correlation between breast artery calcifications and heart disease risk, it is not a definitive screening tool. Further evaluation using established metrics is necessary to assess the risk accurately.
2. Is additional screening for breast artery calcifications recommended for all women?
Currently, the evidence supporting the routine screening of breast artery calcifications is limited. It is advisable to focus on established risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight.
3. How can women proactively monitor their heart health?
Women can utilize online risk calculators, consult with healthcare providers, and prioritize healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of heart disease. Regular screenings and check-ups are essential for maintaining heart health.
