During routine preventive care, many women focus on their breast health, diligently scheduling their annual mammograms. However, a more complete picture of a woman’s health requires looking beyond breast tissue. Heart disease in women is actually one of the nation’s leading health concerns, with over 60 million women in the United States living with some form of heart disease.
Because the risk for both breast cancer and heart conditions increases as we age, screening for both at the same time is a powerful, proactive approach. At South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA), we harness the power of AI and expert radiologists working together to offer Mammo with Cardiac Screening, delivering two vital health checks in one convenient visit.
What causes heart disease in women?
Numerous factors can cause a woman to develop heart disease. Plaque buildup in the blood vessels is a major contributor to coronary heart disease and heart failure. While some causes overlap between men and women, certain factors uniquely or disproportionately affect women.
For instance, conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and hormonal changes significantly increase the risk of developing heart complications. Identifying a risk factor for heart disease early is essential to maintaining long-term heart health.
The early warning signs of heart disease in women
Because heart disease can often be silent, identifying warning signs early can be lifesaving. The symptoms in women can sometimes be subtle and easily mistaken for other issues. Some women—including those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gestational diabetes, and a family history of heart disease—may be at a higher risk for developing heart disease.
Unlike typical heart attack signs that are often associated with men, symptoms in women can be more subtle and may include:
- Shortness of breath. A common yet often ignored symptom.
- Extreme fatigue. Unexplained tiredness can be a significant warning sign.
- Chest discomfort. This may manifest as pressure or tightness rather than straightforward pain.
- Pain in other areas. Women may experience heart-related discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Heart screenings and why to maintain them with a trusted imaging provider
Regular heart screenings are essential for early detection and prevention of potential issues, particularly for women at higher risk due to various factors. Partnering with a trusted provider like SJRA ensures you receive accurate assessments using advanced imaging technologies and the expertise of trained radiologists. We offer comprehensive evaluations that help identify risks before they become serious.
- Mammo with Cardiac Screening
- CT Calcium Scoring (CAC)
- Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)
Maintaining consistent screenings is vital as your risk factors can change over time with symptoms oftentimes silent. By choosing SJRA, you benefit from integrated care that combines both cardiac and breast screenings in one visit, and provides advanced imaging beyond Mammo with Cardiac Screening as conversations about your heart health with your doctor take place.
View our available Mammo with Cardiac Screening appointments at a location near you today
Breast arterial calcification: The link between mammograms and heart health
You might wonder how a breast exam can provide insights into your heart. The answer lies in breast arterial calcification (BAC). BAC refers to calcium deposits that build up in the arteries running through your breast tissue. While these calcifications do not have any effect on your risk for breast cancer, growing clinical evidence demonstrates that they can put you at a higher risk of heart disease.
There is a strong link between calcification in breast arteries and serious cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. A study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances also found that an elevated BAC score may be an indicator of long-term cardiovascular risk. By detecting these markers early, you could gain a vital head start on prevention.
By integrating both mammograms and cardiac screenings into one appointment, our imaging centers at SJRA are addressing this critical health issue and facilitating enhanced preventive care for women.
The power of expertise: AI and radiologists working together
When it comes to advanced imaging, where you go matters. While some hospital-based facilities are just beginning to offer breast arterial calcification assessments, SJRA has long been the region’s established expert, combining state-of-the-art FDA-approved AI technology with the unmatched expertise of board-certified, subspecialized radiologists.
Mammo with Cardiac Screening from SJRA delivers a two-in-one health check, assessing both breast health and heart disease risk during your annual mammogram. This technology enhances your screening mammogram by applying a specialized filter to the images, meticulously identifying and quantifying calcium deposits in your breast arteries. However, technology is only as good as the experts interpreting it. Our breast imaging radiologists have completed years of training beyond residency and analyze over 70,000 mammograms each year.
Once your screening is complete, this human-AI collaboration produces two separate, detailed expert reports—one focusing on your breast tissue and the other assessing breast arterial calcification findings. Your doctor receives both reports to analyze alongside your overall medical history, ensuring a highly accurate, tailored approach to your care.
Combining a mammogram and heart check is easy and convenient
SJRA’s Mammo with Cardiac Screening seamlessly transforms your annual mammogram into a dual-purpose study. We make taking control of your health incredibly easy by offering:
- Zero extra exam time. The cardiac assessment is performed simultaneously with your routine 3D screening mammogram.
- No additional radiation. The AI software applies a filter to the images already taken, meaning your body is not exposed to any extra radiation.
- Affordability. While not currently covered by insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is just $120 and is fully eligible for HSA/FSA payments.
- Convenience. Available at 8 of our convenient locations, it provides two vital health insights in just one easy visit.
Where you go matters for breast health. Choose the experts at SJRA.
When it comes to your health, choosing the right imaging provider is crucial. SJRA offers a unique approach to women’s health by combining mammography with cardiac screening in one convenient visit. Our commitment to advanced technology and expert radiology allows us to deliver thorough assessments so you receive the best care possible for both breast and heart health.
- With Mammo with Cardiac Screening, you can address both breast and heart health in a single appointment, streamlining your preventive care.
- Our use of AI and trained radiologists ensures accurate evaluations, facilitating early detection of potential health issues.
- SJRA provides diagnostic imaging services at costs up to 60% less than those at hospital-based centers, making quality care more accessible.
South Jersey Radiology Associates offers diagnostic and advanced medical imaging studies, including Mammo with Cardiac Screening. With evening and weekend hours available, prioritizing your health has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding Mammo with Cardiac Screening to your appointment is seamless. When scheduling online or over the phone, you will be prompted to add Mammo with Cardiac Screening as an adjustment. If you already have a referral for a routine screening mammogram, you do not need a separate referral for the breast arterial calcification (BAC) assessment; it is performed automatically when the option is selected.
If you already have an appointment for your mammogram, you can easily add in Mammo with Cardiac Screening at the time of check in for your appointment. It is important to note Mammo with Cardiac Screening is not covered by insurance providers at this time, and requires an out-of-pocket fee of $120 (fully eligible).
If calcification is found, we recommend consulting with your primary care doctor or cardiologist. They will review the specialized radiology report provided by our experts alongside your medical history to determine if further cardiac evaluation or lifestyle changes are right for you.
Not necessarily. While calcium buildup in the breast arteries is a strong potential warning sign, a normal BAC finding does not entirely rule out coronary artery disease. It is still important to maintain regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your overall heart health.
When it comes to women’s health, breast cancer often dominates the conversation, but heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Despite this fact, heart disease in women is frequently referred to as “silent,” meaning it can develop over time and show no outward symptoms until a major cardiac event happens. Addressing changes with your breast and heart health requires proactive screening that goes beyond traditional physical exams.
A woman can suffer a heart attack at almost any age, but the risk of heart disease and major cardiovascular events increases significantly as we get older. Women’s health experts recommend that asymptomatic women begin routine screening mammograms at age 40, which is precisely the right time to start screening for heart disease as well.
Routine blood work and blood pressure checks are standard, but advanced imaging provides a deeper look. Mammo with Cardiac Screening is an excellent first-line test for women over 40 because it seamlessly checks for breast arterial calcification without requiring a separate appointment or referral.
If breast arterial calcification is found—or if you have a family history that warrants a deeper look—SJRA offers dedicated, advanced cardiac imaging tests beyond Mammo with Cardiac Screening. These include Cardiac CTA and CT Calcium Scoring, which thoroughly assess for other signs of heart disease outside of the breast arteries.
Mammo with Cardiac Screening is offered at 8 convenient locations throughout Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester:
• Cherry Hill Office – Cherry Hill, NJ
• Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
• Marlton (Greentree) Office – Marlton, NJ
• Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
• West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
• Women’s Center at Cross Keys – Sewell, NJ
• Women’s Center at Mount Laurel – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Women’s Center at Voorhees – Voorhees Township, NJ
