If you’ve heard the term “Breast Arterial Calcification” before, you may wonder what this means–especially if you’ve received a test result with “BAC present.” With advanced mammogram options, you may now be able to check for two leading health risks for women during the same exam: breast cancer and heart disease.
So, what is BAC?
BAC refers to Breast Arterial Calcification, or calcium deposits in the arteries of the breast. These arteries are visible on a mammogram, but BAC is different from breast calcifications that radiologists look for when screening for breast cancer. Breast calcifications occur within the breast tissue, while BAC appears in the walls of breast arteries and is associated with cardiovascular risk rather than breast cancer.
“We think of BAC as a window,” says Dr. Angela Fried, Director of Women’s Imaging at SimonMed. “It can offer insight into a woman’s cardiovascular health even when she may feel completely well.”
What does BAC do?
Breast Arterial Calcifications aren’t something you can feel, and they don’t affect how your breasts function. But understanding BAC can help women take a more proactive approach to their long-term health. Research has shown that women with BAC may have a higher likelihood of coronary disease.
Why does it matter if you have BAC?
BAC matters because it may:
- Appear years before heart disease symptoms
- Be detected during a routine mammogram, without additional testing
- Provide an opportunity for earlier action for your heart health
They’re not harmful to the breast itself, but they can be an early sign of calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart, which is linked to coronary heart disease. This can help identify early warning signs when severe heart disease is still preventable.
Women and risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, but it remains underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Many women don’t realize they’re at risk because heart disease can develop silently for years, without obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may look different than what’s typically associated with heart attacks in men, leading to delayed diagnosis or treatment. “The goal is empowerment,” Dr. Fried says. “When women have more information, they can make more informed decisions with their doctors.”
What are the risks of heart disease?
Heart disease risk is influenced by a combination of factors, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
- Age and hormonal changes
- Sedentary lifestyle
BAC may appear alongside these risk factors, even in women who feel healthy.
How can you tell if you have BAC?
BAC is most often identified on a mammogram, when the imaging captures the arteries within the breast. Today, advanced tools can help detect and assess it more consistently.
“Historically coronary artery disease has been underdiagnosed in women,” explains Dr. Fried. “Finding a sign of vascular disease on exams women do every year can help diagnose disease earlier, hopefully before there are symptoms. This gives patients and their doctors time to address the problem medically and prevent heart attacks and strokes.”
At SimonMed, Mammogram+ Heart is designed to make the most of an exam many women already receive. Mammogram+ Heart is powered by three advanced AI technologies: two focused on breast cancer detection and one dedicated to identifying BAC. This helps deliver clearer, more complete insights into both breast and heart health.
In just one appointment, this exam combines:
- Advanced breast cancer detection
- AI-powered identification of Breast Arterial Calcification
- Review by a specialized breast health radiologist
- A personalized heart health report with next-step guidance
By identifying potential cardiovascular risk earlier, women have more time to act, ask questions, and stay ahead of disease. Because that’s SimonMed’s promise: earlier insight, clearer answers, and more life for living.
Resources:
Penn State Health News, The Menopause Society, American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
