Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Maryland Mandates Heart Risk Notices on Mammogram Reports
Mammograms are tests that look for signs of breast cancer.
They can also show calcium in some arteries in the breast.
This is called breast arterial calcification, or BAC.
Studies have linked BAC to a greater chance of heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
Maryland now requires mammogram reports to say whether BAC is present.
The report does not have to say how much calcium there is.
Doctors cited in the story hope this information helps women talk with health professionals about heart health.
They also hope other states may adopt similar rules.
A Maryland law requiring mammogram reports to state whether breast arterial calcification is present took effect on October 1, 2026.
Breast arterial calcification, or BAC, is calcium buildup in arteries visible on mammogram scans.
Studies have linked BAC with cardiovascular events including heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
The mandate requires a yes-or-no indication, but does not require reports to quantify the buildup.
Experts cited in the report say the law could help women learn about cardiovascular risk and may encourage similar measures elsewhere.
- Who
- Maryland mammogram centres and patients receiving routine mammograms.
- What
- A state mandate requires mammogram reports to indicate whether breast arterial calcification is present.
- When
- The law took effect on October 1, 2026.
- Where
- Maryland, United States.
- Why
- BAC has been linked to cardiovascular risk, and the reporting requirement is intended to give women information about that potential risk.
- Mandate
- Mammogram reports must indicate whether BAC is present.
- Effective date
- October 1, 2026
- First state
- Maryland is described as the first state to require BAC notification on all routine mammogram reports.
- BAC
- Breast arterial calcification: calcium buildup in breast arteries visible on mammogram scans.
- Linked health risks
- Studies have linked BAC to cardiovascular events including heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
- Reporting detail
- The law requires a yes-or-no indication, not a measure of the extent of buildup.
- AI tools
- Some US mammogram centres use FDA AI tools to detect or quantify BAC; this may involve out-of-pocket costs.