This retrospective study shows that artificial intelligence analysis of routine mammograms can reveal information about heart health that is not routinely reported. The team, led by Hari Trivedi of the radiology and biomedical informatics departments at Emory University School of Medicine, examined data from 123,762 women aged 40 to 79 who had breast screening at Emory Healthcare and at another large health care system. None of the women had known cardiovascular disease when their mammograms were taken.
The researchers used AI tools to measure calcium deposits in the arteries within breast tissue, a finding called breast arterial calcification (BAC). BAC is a marker of arterial hardening and is linked to higher risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and death. Trivedi said the association has been known for decades, but AI allows precise measurement and tracking of BAC over time.
The study classified BAC as absent, mild, moderate or severe and compared future cardiovascular outcomes. The reported increases in risk were:
- mild calcification: around 30% higher likelihood of serious cardiovascular disease;
- moderate calcification: more than 70% higher risk;
- severe calcification: two to three times higher risk.
Researchers emphasised that women are recommended to start mammograms at age 40 and that younger women under 50 are often not considered at risk for cardiovascular disease. They advised discussing mammogram results with a doctor to consider preventive steps. The results were published in the European Heart Journal and the research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (source: Emory University).
Difficult words
- retrospective — study that looks back at past collected data
- mammogram — X-ray image taken to examine breast tissuemammograms
- calcification — formation of calcium deposits in body tissue
- breast arterial calcification — calcium deposits in arteries inside breast tissueBAC
- marker — a sign that indicates a medical condition
- screening — medical checks done to find disease early
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might AI measurement of BAC change heart disease prevention after routine mammograms?
- Should women under 50 take mammogram findings about BAC more seriously? Why or why not?
- What preventive steps could a doctor reasonably suggest if BAC is found on a mammogram? Explain your ideas.
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