Eur Heart J

AI-derived mammography marker may identify cardiovascular risk in women

March 12, 2026

In a large retrospective analysis of more than 123,000 women, AI‑based quantification of breast arterial calcification (BAC) on screening mammography was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) independent of PREVENT scores. A graded relationship emerged: compared with zero BAC, mild, moderate, and severe BAC were each associated with progressively higher MACE risk, with severe BAC showing the largest effect (hazard ratios, ~2.8–3.3). Each 1 mm² increase in BAC corresponded to an additional 2% to 3% increase in risk.

Clinical takeaway: Consider BAC detected on screening mammography as a potential prompt for closer cardiovascular risk evaluation, particularly in women lacking traditional risk indicators.

Source:

Dapamede T, et al. (2026, March 9). Eur Heart J. Artificial intelligence-based quantification of breast arterial calcifications to predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41795899/