AI facial-photo screening for coronary artery disease in high-risk community members

AI Facial Analysis Algorithm to Screening Coronary Artery Disease in High-Risk Community Population

Observational China National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases · NCT07277686

This project tests whether an AI algorithm can use a facial photo to screen for coronary artery disease in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or over age 65.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1392 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChina National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases Government
Locations3 sites (Zhoukou, Henan and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07277686 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will use an AI algorithm to analyze standardized facial images from community-dwelling adults at high risk for coronary artery disease (those with diabetes, hypertension, or aged >65). Participants without prior CAD or heart failure will have facial photographs taken and their AI-assigned risk will be compared to actual CAD prevalence in high- versus low-risk groups. The study will also compare the CAD detection rate using the AI screening strategy to the natural detection rate observed in the real-world cohort. Enrollment and data collection occur at participating hospitals in Zhoukou, Henan and at Fuwai Hospital/CAMS in Beijing.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who live in the participating communities, have diabetes, hypertension, or are older than 65, and who do not have prior CAD or heart failure and can have clear facial photos taken.

Not a fit: People with a prior diagnosis of coronary artery disease or heart failure, those with major facial surgery or severe facial trauma, or those who refuse participation are unlikely to benefit from this screening approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a low-cost, noninvasive way to identify people at higher risk of coronary artery disease in community settings.

How similar studies have performed: Facial-image AI for cardiovascular risk is a relatively new approach with limited prior validation, although early pilot work has suggested facial features may correlate with cardiovascular risk factors.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>= 18 years.
* Community high-risk population, defined as individuals meeting at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus;
  2. Diagnosed with Hypertension;
  3. Advanced age (\> 65 years old).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior confirmed diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease (CAD), including clinically diagnosed CAD, history of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), or history of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).
* History of diagnosed Heart Failure.
* Significant facial alterations or conditions that may interfere with AI image analysis, such as plastic surgery, severe facial trauma, or heavy makeup.
* Refusal to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Zhoukou, Henan and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery DiseaseArtificial Intelligence AlgorithmsFaceScreening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.