DGK Sports Cardiology: Certified expertise for your sports heart

The certification in DGK Sports Cardiology (Level I) by the German Society of Cardiology is the highest official quality mark for cardiologists who specialize in the care of athletes. It guarantees state-of-the-art treatment and proven expertise in the complex interaction between the heart and sport. We are proud that Dr. Raphael Bruno, as the holder of this additional qualification, offers you sports cardiology care in our practice that meets these demanding criteria.

What does the „DGK Sports Cardiology“ certification mean?

The German Society of Cardiology - Cardiovascular Research e.V. (DGK) is the leading medical society in Germany in this field. The DGK has developed a structured, multi-stage curriculum for the additional qualification of sports cardiology in order to ensure and standardize the quality of care for people who are active in sports. The certification DGK Sports Cardiology is only awarded to cardiology specialists who have successfully completed this demanding program and have proven their special expertise. For patients, clubs and associations, it is reliable proof of sound sports cardiology expertise.

Training to become a sports cardiologist (DGK): a challenging path

The certification in DGK Sports Cardiology is not awarded lightly. It requires a cardiologist to deal intensively with the specific issues of the sports heart. The curriculum is comprehensive and ensures that the certified physician has in-depth knowledge in all relevant areas.

Excerpts from the DGK sports cardiology curriculum

Subject area of the DGK curriculum	What is taught?	Why is this important for you as an athlete?
The athlete's heart	The physiological (normal) adaptations of the heart to exercise (size, wall thickness, function).	The doctor can reliably distinguish a healthy, strong athlete's heart from a pathological enlargement of the heart and avoid unnecessary sports bans.
The athlete's ECG	Interpretation of the specific ECG changes that occur in athletes and would be considered pathological in non-athletes.	Prevents misinterpretations and unnecessary uncertainty with a correct ECG analysis tailored to athletes.
Prevention of sudden cardiac death	Knowledge of rare congenital heart diseases (e.g. HCM, ARVC) that pose a risk to athletes.	Targeted screening can identify and protect athletes with an increased risk.
„Return to Sport“	Guidelines for the safe resumption of training after cardiac events (e.g. myocarditis, heart attack).	You will receive a scientifically sound and reliable recommendation on when and how you can become active again after an illness.
Sport for heart disease	Assessment of fitness for sport in patients with heart valve defects, arrhythmia or cardiac insufficiency.	Enables people with known heart disease to exercise safely and healthily.

DGK sports cardiology in practice: your advantage as a patient and athlete

The decision for a cardiologist with the additional qualification DGK Sports Cardiology offers you as a patient and athlete decisive advantages. It ensures that your doctor not only knows the specific issues and potential risks associated with intensive training, but is specialized in them.

The following groups benefit in particular:

Competitive athlete: For whom optimum performance with maximum safety is essential.
Ambitious amateur athletes (e.g. marathon, triathlon): Who want to expose their bodies to high levels of stress and exclude hidden risks.
Young athletes: In which the focus is on screening for congenital heart disease.
Athletes aged 35 and over („Master Athletes“): In whom the risk of coronary heart disease increases.
Patients with heart disease: Who would like expert advice on how to remain safely active.

Core competencies of a DGK-certified sports cardiologist

A cardiologist with the additional qualification DGK Sports Cardiology has special skills that go beyond general cardiology. The most important competence is the reliable differentiation between physiological (normal, training-related) and pathological (abnormal) findings in the heart. An inconspicuous exercise ECG or a normal cardiac ultrasound in a non-athlete can already be a warning signal in an athlete - and vice versa. This differentiated approach protects you as an athlete both from undetected risks and from unnecessary, false alarms and sports bans.

Dr. Bruno: Your certified contact for DGK sports cardiology in Düsseldorf

The combination of his qualifications as a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology, as a sports physician and, in particular, as a certified sports cardiologist (level I) of the DGK makes Dr. Raphael Bruno a proven expert for all questions relating to the sports heart. He understands both the internal cardiological clinical pictures and the physiological requirements of sport. This rare dual competence is the basis for the high quality of sports cardiology care in our practice in Düsseldorf.

Frequently asked questions about DGK Sports Cardiology

Here you will find answers to specific questions about sports cardiology certification.

Is every sports physician also a sports cardiologist (DGK)?

No, that is an important difference. Sports medicine„ is a broad additional qualification that doctors from a wide range of specialties can acquire. The DGK Sports Cardiology is a highly specialized additional qualification exclusively for cardiology specialists who must demonstrate intensive further training in the field of athletes' heart health.

What is the difference between levels I, II and III of DGK certification?

The DGK offers a three-stage qualification system. Level I, which Dr. Bruno holds, certifies his comprehensive expertise in the basic sports cardiology care of amateur and competitive athletes in his practice. Level II is aimed at doctors in specialized centers or with a scientific focus. Level III is intended for managers of sports cardiology centers at the highest level. Level I is the relevant qualification for excellent outpatient care.

How can I recognize a certified sports cardiologist?

Certified cardiologists may use the title „Additional qualification in sports cardiology (DGK)“. The DGK and sports cardiology networks maintain lists of qualified doctors. Look out for this official designation as a reliable sign of quality.

Do I have to be a competitive athlete to benefit from DGK Sports Cardiology?

No. Anyone who does sport regularly and ambitiously will benefit from this expertise. Especially for people over the age of 35 who are returning to sport or for people who are starting to run a marathon, a differentiated assessment by an expert for DGK Sports Cardiology of great value in order to reach their destinations safely and healthily.

What does an examination according to the DGK sports cardiology standards cost?

The costs depend on the scope of the necessary examinations (ECG, cardiac ultrasound, stress test, etc.). As this is often a preventive service, it is usually an individual health service (IGeL). However, many statutory health insurance companies subsidize sports medical examinations. We will advise you transparently about the expected costs.

Does the examination only cover the heart?

The focus of the DGK Sports Cardiology naturally focuses on the heart. However, as an experienced sports physician and internist, Dr. Raphael Bruno always includes the entire state of health, including the musculoskeletal system and metabolism, in his assessment and advice.

My club requires a „medical certificate“. Is an examination by the family doctor sufficient?

This may be sufficient for an initial orientation. However, when it comes to competitive sport, high levels of stress or the clarification of symptoms, only an examination in accordance with the standards of the DGK Sports Cardiology the necessary diagnostic depth and certainty. Not every doctor is familiar with the specific ECG criteria for athletes, for example.

How up-to-date is the knowledge of a certified doctor?

DGK certification is linked to a continuous training obligation. A certified sports cardiologist must regularly take part in recognized training courses and keep their knowledge up to date in order to retain their certificate. This guarantees you treatment in accordance with the latest scientific findings.

Is the DGK also used at the Olympic Games?

Yes, the principles of DGK Sports Cardiology comply with international standards, as recommended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The sports cardiology care of top athletes worldwide is based on these evidence-based screening and examination strategies.

My heart has already been examined and classified as „healthy“. Do I still need a sports cardiologist?

If you exercise intensively, yes. A general cardiology examination will assess your heart according to the criteria for the average population. An expert for DGK Sports Cardiology assesses your heart according to the specific criteria for athletes. This differentiated view is crucial for a correct assessment and maximum safety.

Rely on certified cardiology expertise

When it comes to the health of your heart in sport, you should not make any compromises. Rely on the proven and certified expertise of a sports cardiologist in accordance with the standards of the German Society of Cardiology. Make an appointment at Dr. Raphael Bruno's practice in Düsseldorf to put your sporting goals on a secure footing.