Protection against inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and Long-Covid
Sport & Corona: Heart health after infection and vaccination
A corona infection or flu is often an enormous strain on the cardiovascular system. For amateur and competitive athletes in particular, the question arises: when will the heart be ready for exercise again? In our practice for Cardiology Düsseldorf we offer specialized diagnostics to reliably rule out risks such as myocarditis and ensure a healthy return to play.
Warning signals: when you should listen up
Myocarditis often progresses gradually. As your cardiologist in Düsseldorf, we advise caution if you notice the following symptoms after an infection (or rarely after a vaccination):
- Performance dip: Significant decrease in stamina during normal exercise.
- Conspicuous pulse: A significantly increased heart rate at rest or an excessive heart rate during light exertion (e.g. climbing stairs).
- Cardiac arrhythmia: Sudden heart stumbling or palpitations.
- Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath during exertion that was previously possible without any problems.
- Persistent exhaustion: Tiredness that goes beyond the normal level after an infection.
Diagnostics & prevention in our practice
An unremarkable resting ECG alone is often not enough to rule out myocarditis with certainty. At Cardiologie Düsseldorf, we use modern procedures for maximum safety:
- Echocardiography (heart ultrasound): We assess the pumping function and look for wall movement disorders.
- Strain analysis: A special procedure for the early detection of subtle heart damage, which often makes even the smallest scars visible.
- Laboratory examination: Determination of specific heart markers (troponin) in the blood.
- Spiroergometry: The gold standard examination for objectively measuring the resilience of the lungs and cardiovascular system.
The holistic cardiological view of Covid-19
An infection with SARS-CoV-2 is much more than just a respiratory disease. As a specialist in cardiovascular diseases PD Dr. Bruno The virus is primarily seen as a systemic challenge that can attack the endothelium (the inner wall of the blood vessels) in particular. Our practice in Düsseldorf therefore focuses not only on the lungs, but also on the entire cardiovascular system.
Acute myocarditis clarification
Heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) is a serious complication following viral infections. PD Dr. Bruno relies on a step-by-step diagnostic approach: from resting and exercise ECG to high-resolution cardiac ultrasound. The aim is to identify inflammatory processes at an early stage in order to prevent consequential damage such as cardiac arrhythmia or permanent heart failure.
Post-Covid check: safety for everyday life
Many patients suffer from fatigue or shortness of breath months after the infection. Our special post-Covid check with your Cardiologists in Düsseldorf includes a detailed analysis of heart function and oxygen saturation. PD Dr. Bruno takes the time to classify your symptoms and differentiate between physical causes and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Innovative strain analysis for early detection
In the KardioPro practice we use the modern Strain analysis as part of echocardiography. This procedure allows PD Dr. Bruno, This makes it possible to detect even minimal changes in heart muscle mechanics that often remain hidden during a standard ultrasound scan. This is particularly important for patients who continue to suffer from reduced performance despite „normal“ findings.
Corona, sport & heart health
Frequently asked questions about corona, sport & heart health
You should consult PD Dr. Bruno if you notice symptoms such as palpitations, stumbling, unusual shortness of breath or a significant drop in performance after the infection. Even if you are planning to return to intensive sport after a moderate or severe course, a cardiological check-up is highly advisable to be on the safe side.
Yes, many myocarditis cases are mild or almost asymptomatic. The problem is that the heart can still develop dangerous arrhythmias under stress. PD Dr. Bruno therefore uses the highly sensitive Strain analysis, to detect even the smallest, hidden signs of inflammation or scars.
While Long-Covid often shows a diffuse fatigue, myocarditis is an inflammatory change in the tissue. Through a combination of specialized cardiac ultrasound, laboratory values (troponin) and stress tests such as the Spiroergometry PD Dr. Bruno can precisely differentiate where the complaints are coming from.
This depends on the course of the infection. In the case of asymptomatic infections, we often advise a short break and a moderate return to treatment. If you have a fever or cough, a break of 2-4 weeks is standard. PD Dr. Bruno will draw up an individual Return-to-play plan, to minimize the risk of sudden cardiac death or chronic damage.
Yes, monitoring is useful. If your resting pulse rate is permanently elevated by more than 10-15 beats or your pulse rate shoots up unusually with minimal exertion (e.g. when cooking or climbing stairs), these are warning signs that you should have it checked out in our practice in Düsseldorf.
The check usually includes a detailed medical consultation, a resting and exercise ECG, a high-resolution cardiac ultrasound with strain analysis and a laboratory analysis. Depending on the symptoms, PD Dr. Bruno supplements this with spiroergometry to check lung function and gas exchange under load.
Vaccination reactions are usually temporary. Nevertheless, we take the Post-vax syndrome serious. PD Dr. Bruno performs a targeted exclusion diagnosis to rule out a rare pericarditis or myocarditis and give you back the security you need for your everyday life.
Many patients complain of shortness of breath even though the lung X-ray is normal. The Spiroergometry PD Dr. Bruno shows exactly whether the problem is in the heart, the lungs or a reduced oxygen uptake in the muscles. This is the basis for targeted therapy.
In most cases, inflammation heals completely with timely protection. However, if left untreated, scars can develop that weaken the heart in the long term. Early treatment by PD Dr. Bruno in Düsseldorf can often prevent or minimize such long-term consequences.
As PD Dr. Bruno runs a private medical practice, the costs are generally covered by private health insurance companies and subsidies. For self-payers, we offer transparent check-up packages to make this important preventive care accessible to everyone.
COrona disease
Professional examination at the Stahlhof in Düsseldorf
Even if the ECG is a routine examination, we take time for you. In our air-conditioned practice rooms, the ECG is written while you are lying down and relaxing. Thanks to state-of-the-art digital networking PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno The doctor immediately sees the curves on his monitor and can discuss the results with you in detail during the same appointment. No waiting time for findings, just immediate clarity.
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