What's Happening?
A new program is highlighting the potential of routine mammograms to identify heart risks by detecting calcification in the arteries. According to NBC News, doctors have found that these calcifications,
visible on mammograms, can be indicative of heart problems. The program aims to alert women when such signs appear on their scans. In one case, a woman undergoing a routine mammogram discovered a 12% calcification, leading her cardiologist to recommend a quintuple bypass surgery.
Why It's Important?
This development could transform the way heart risks are identified, particularly in women. By utilizing mammograms, a tool already widely used for breast cancer screening, healthcare providers may be able to detect cardiovascular issues earlier, potentially reducing the incidence of heart disease. This approach could lead to more comprehensive health screenings and prompt earlier interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with late-stage heart disease treatment.
