Doctor Discusses Mammograms As A Way To Detect Heart Disease

Regularly scheduled mammograms have been a part of women’s health care for years, but doctors are now using them to diagnose heart disease, as well.

“Calcifications in any vessel can be seen with certain tests, including a mammogram,” Dr. Sherisa Warren with the Cardiovascular Health Clinic said. “So the process that causes hardening of the arteries of the vessels can be seen with a mammogram, just like you would do a calcium score in your heart.”

Warren says that, if calcification is seen in your mammogram, you should bring it up to your primary care physician or a cardiologist. She also says that other factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history, if you're a smoker diabetic, or over 50-years-old could indicate it is time to talk to your doctor about calcification.