Mammograms for Heart Health?
A new study by researchers from Emory and the Mayo Clinic used an AI image analysis technique to show how AI can automatically analyze breast arterial calcification and convert the findings into a cardiovascular risk score.
“We see an opportunity for women to get screened for cancer and additionally get a cardiovascular screen from their mammograms,” says Theo Dapamede, postdoctoral fellow at Emory and lead author.
“Our study showed that breast arterial calcification is a good predictor for cardiovascular disease, especially in patients younger than age 60. If we are able to screen and identify these patients early, we can refer them to a cardiologist for further risk assessment.”
Overall findings showed the new model performed well at characterizing patients’ cardiovascular risk as low, moderate, or severe based on mammogram images.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it remains underdiagnosed in women and awareness is still lacking.
The buildup of calcium in blood vessels is a sign of cardiovascular damage linked to early-stage heart disease or aging. Studies have demonstrated that women with calcium deposits in their arteries have a 51 percent higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
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