About P-CARDIAC

Introduction

Cardiovascular (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The use of CVD risk prediction model is one of the most effective measures to prevent CVD. Most common risk tools are established by multivariable medical records and then simplified into a points system by statistic without any consideration of time-varying or concurrent medication. Moreover, empirical published literature has proved that common risk tools would be overestimated among Asian compared with other ethnicity. Therefore, The University of Hong Kong uses machine learning to establish a new CVD risk prediction model which targeted Chinese population: P-CARDIAC

Current CVD risk prediction models (such as Framingham, QRISK3) were based on non-Asian populations, and may use simplified inputs, potentially limiting their accuracy for individuals. Recent studies also emphasize that risk assessment is multifaceted and evolves over time.

P-CARDIAC leverages advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and utilizes rich, anonymized local health data from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA). By analyzing over 120 variables, including diagnoses, laboratory results, and medication histories, P-CARDIAC can provide a more accurate and personalized 10-year risk prediction for cardiovascular events specifically for the Chinese population in Hong Kong.

The goal is to empower healthcare providers with a sophisticated CVD risk prediction tool for the Chinese populations to support clinical decision-making, facilitate early intervention, optimize resource allocation by mapping the existing healthcare system and the international treatment guidelines, and ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The development of the P-CARDIAC model is a collaborative effort driven by researchers at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), with funding support from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.

Meet the Team

Core Developers & Principal Investigators

Photo of Prof Celine Chui

Prof Celine Chui Sze Ling

Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong.

Photo of Prof Ruibang Luo

Prof Ruibang Luo

Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong.

Photo of Prof Ian Wong

Prof Ian Wong Chi Kei

Lo Shiu Kwan Kan Po Ling Professor in Pharmacy
Director, Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, The University of Hong Kong.

Photo of Dr Yekai Zhou

Dr Yekai Zhou

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong.

Research Study Team

The P-CARDIAC project and the HEARTWISE study involve a dedicated team of HKU researchers, clinicians and supporting staff working together to improve cardiovascular health in Hong Kong.

P-CARDIAC and HEARTWISE Research Team

Project Timeline

Dec 2020

Development of P-CARDIAC begins.

Dec 2021

P-CARDIAC Prototype developed.

Jan 2022

Key research phase completed, advancing model development.

Apr 2022

TOPick news feature on P-CARDIAC model.

June 2022

Metro Radio interview discussing P-CARDIAC.

Sep 2022

Pilot implementation of P-CARDIAC.

Oct 2023

Development of HEARTWISE study protocol.

Dec 2023

am730 column published.

Apr 2024

HEARTWISE recruitment begins.

Sep 2024

Ming Pao & TVB news features released.

Jan 2025

New partnerships expand our reach with local hospitals.

Feb 2025

Key research phase completed, advancing our tools.

March 2025

HEARTWISE launches across multiple sites.