Maryland Law Flags Hidden Heart Risks

As of October 1, 2026, Maryland has enacted a landmark law requiring mammography centers to report the presence or absence of breast arterial calcification (BAC) to patients. BAC refers to calcium deposits found within the breast arteries, a condition now understood to be associated with an elevated risk of heart disease. Initially considered an incidental finding, advancements in artificial intelligence and larger studies have solidified the link between BAC and serious cardiovascular events such as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. This new legislation makes Maryland the first state to mandate such notifications at no extra cost, potentially setting a precedent for other states. Experts anticipate this will follow a trajectory similar to breast density reporting, which became a national requirement. The integration of BAC findings into mammogram reports offers a unique opportunity to address the persistent gender gap in cardiovascular disease awareness and treatment. Heart disease remains the leading killer of women, who often underestimate its threat compared to breast cancer. Therefore, leveraging mammograms—which many women attend regularly—to also screen for cardiovascular risk provides a crucial dual benefit. This initiative empowers women with vital information about their heart health, prompting discussions with healthcare providers and potentially leading to earlier interventions and lifestyle modifications. The stiffening of breast arteries due to BAC can affect blood flow and is linked to calcification in other arteries, indicating a broader cardiovascular issue. Experts suggest that BAC findings should prompt patients to discuss their personal cardiovascular risk with their doctors, possibly utilizing risk assessment tools like the PREVENT calculator and considering interventions such as statins or lifestyle changes to mitigate risks.