Publication:

Prevalence of breast arterial calcification and its relationship with cardiovascular disease risk factors: insights from a cross-sectional study in South India

Background Cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms often underestimate risk in women, resulting in underuse of preventive therapies and lifestyle interventions. Female-specific strategies may more accurately identify those at risk. As many women undergo routine mammography, identifying an association between breast arterial calcification (BAC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) could improve risk stratification without added cost or radiation exposure. Mammography also offers an opportunity for counseling, given the shared lifestyle risk factors between breast cancer and CVD. Due to limited data on BAC prevalence and its relationship with CVD risk factors in Indian women, this study aims to bridge that gap.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective hospital data from 286 women over 40 years who underwent routine mammograms at a tertiary care hospital. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Appropriate statistical tests were applied based on data distribution.

Results The median age of participants was 54 years (IQR 48-60). BAC was present in 25% of women. Its prevalence was higher among those with cardiovascular risk factors such as high BMI, elevated triglycerides, low HDL, elevated blood pressure, increased HbA1c, and elevated fasting blood sugar. However, only the association with elevated fasting blood glucose was statistically significant.

Conclusion BAC may serve as a useful surrogate marker for identifying women at increased risk for CVD during routine mammography. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to establish its role in early detection and prevention strategies.