Keeping an eye on heart health: The big cardiology check-up in Düsseldorf.

A Cardio Check is a specialized preventive examination that gives you a detailed and comprehensible overview of the current state of your cardiovascular system. Think of it as a comprehensive health check-up for your most important organ. At our cardiology practice in Düsseldorf, we have the Cardio Check has established itself as a central instrument of preventive medicine. Under the direction of PD Dr. Raphael Bruno, we use state-of-the-art diagnostics to assess your heart health, identify risks and provide you with a clear roadmap for a healthy future.

Your Cardio Check: What questions does the examination answer?

A Cardio Check is more than just a series of measurements; it is a systematic process that answers the most important questions about your heart health. Instead of living in uncertainty, you get informed and reliable answers.

Your questions - Our diagnostic answers

Your question to your heart	How we find the answer (diagnostics)	What the findings mean
„How strong is my pump?“	Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound): Measurement of the ejection fraction (EF) and assessment of the heart wall movement.	We see whether your heart muscle is strong enough to supply the body with blood efficiently and whether there are any signs of heart failure.
„Are my lines free?“	Ultrasound of the carotid arteries: Measurement of intima-media thickness and search for arteriosclerotic plaques („calcifications“).	This gives us a direct insight into the condition of your arteries throughout your body and shows your personal risk of arteriosclerosis.
„What is my rhythm?“	Resting ECG & long-term ECG: Recording of electrical cardiac activity at rest and over 24 hours during everyday life.	We recognize whether your heart is beating regularly or whether there are relevant arrhythmias that need to be clarified.
„How do I react to stress?“	Exercise ECG (ergometry): Monitoring of ECG, blood pressure and heart rate during physical exertion.	We reveal whether circulatory disorders occur under stress and how your blood pressure behaves under stress.
„Are my ‚inner values‘ right?“	Comprehensive blood analysis: Detailed measurement of cholesterol (LDL, HDL, Lp(a)), blood sugar (HbA1c) and inflammation values.	These values are the „silent“ risk factors. Knowing them precisely is crucial for targeted prevention.

The process of your Cardio Check: transparent and tailored to you

Yours Cardio Check in our practice is a seamless and convenient process for you. We take the time necessary for a thorough examination and consultation.

The conversation: It always starts with a detailed discussion about your circumstances, your family history and your personal health goals.
The diagnostics: The necessary examinations (blood tests, ECG, ultrasound, etc.) are then carried out in a calm and professional atmosphere.
The evaluation: Dr. Raphael Bruno brings all the results together and creates an integrated picture of your cardiovascular health.
The meeting: In a concluding, comprehensible discussion, Dr. Bruno will explain all the findings to you, answer your questions and derive specific, personalized recommendations for you.

Cardio Check for special needs: Athletes and managers

We understand that different lifestyles have different requirements. That's why we customize the Cardio Check to your needs.

The athlete check: For active people, we extend the examination to include a pulmonary function test and, if required, sports medicine performance diagnostics. In this way, we not only ensure safety, but also optimize performance.
The manager check: For people with a high stress level and little time, we place a special focus on the effects of stress on the cardiovascular system (e.g. using 24-hour blood pressure measurement) and develop efficient strategies for stress resilience.

The results of your cardio check: a roadmap for your health

The result of your Cardio Check is not an incomprehensible laboratory note, but a clear and practicable roadmap. You will receive a folder with all the findings and a written summary of the recommendations. Together we will define realistic goals, be it optimizing your diet, starting an exercise program or adjusting a risk factor with medication. This plan serves as a guide for you and as a basis for future check-ups to objectively measure your progress.

Why a cardio check with a cardiologist?

One Cardio Check by a specialist cardiologist offers decisive advantages. Dr. Raphael Bruno is not only able to carry out the individual examinations at the highest level, but - and this is much more important - he can put the results from all the different tests together like a jigsaw puzzle. He recognizes the complex correlations between blood values, ultrasound findings and ECG changes and derives a well-founded overall assessment from them. This integrative expertise is the key to high-quality preventive care.

Frequently asked questions about the Cardio Check

Here we answer common questions that we are asked in the run-up to a cardiology check-up.

I feel healthy. Why should I do a cardio check?

This is precisely the core idea of prevention. Most cardiovascular diseases develop „silently“ over many years and only cause symptoms when significant damage has already occurred. The Cardio Check is there to uncover these processes while you are still feeling healthy, because this is when we can take the most effective countermeasures.

What is the difference to the preventive benefits provided by my health insurance?

The statutory „Check-up 35“ is an important basic preventive check-up. A specialized Cardio Check with a cardiologist is much more comprehensive, however. As standard, it includes special cardiological examinations such as a cardiac ultrasound, stress ECG and ultrasound of the carotid arteries, which are not included in the health insurance check-up and provide a much deeper insight.

How often should I repeat a cardio check?

The interval depends on your individual findings and your risk profile. If the first Cardio Check is completely normal and your risk is low, a repeat test every 3 to 5 years may be sufficient. In the case of existing risk factors or borderline findings, shorter control intervals of 1 to 2 years make sense in order to monitor the development.

Is a cardio check only for older people?

No. The foundations for heart health in old age are laid at a young age. A first Cardio Check is also useful for people around 35-40 to establish a „baseline“. It is absolutely essential for younger people if they have risk factors or a family history of heart disease.

How long does the examination take?

For a comprehensive Cardio Check you should allow yourself about 90 minutes. This amount of time allows us to carry out all examinations in peace and to discuss the results with you in detail without you feeling rushed.

Is the Cardio Check associated with unpleasant or painful procedures?

No. All of our Cardio Check procedures are non-invasive. Apart from a small prick when taking blood samples, the entire examination is completely painless.

Will my private health insurance cover the costs?

Yes, the costs of a comprehensive cardiological check-up are generally covered in full by private health insurance companies and state aid offices. We bill transparently according to the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).

Can I also have a Cardio Check as a self-payer with statutory health insurance?

Yes, of course. If, as a person with statutory health insurance, you would like more comprehensive preventive care than is provided for in the benefits catalog of your health insurance fund, you can always request a Cardio Check as an individual health service (IGeL) with us. We will be happy to advise you transparently about the costs.

What is the most important preparation for the check-up?

For the blood test, it is important that you arrive for your appointment with an empty stomach. In addition, the most important preparation is to think about your own health and write down all the questions you would like to ask your heart and your doctor.

Does a Cardio Check replace a visit to the family doctor?

No. The Cardio Check is a specialized snapshot of your cardiovascular health. Your GP remains your first point of contact for general healthcare and the coordination of your treatment. We work closely with your GP and will send them a detailed report with your consent.

Take proactive control of your heart health

A Cardio Check is more than just a check-up - it is a commitment to your own health and an active step towards a healthy future. Don't wait for warning signs. At our practice in Düsseldorf, we offer you preventive care at the highest level. Arrange your personal appointment for a comprehensive health check-up of your heart.