Heart prevention means identifying the individual risks of cardiovascular disease at an early stage and minimizing them through targeted measures long before a disease develops. It is the scientifically sound and proactive approach to preventing heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems. In our cardiology practice in Düsseldorf, the Heart care a central pillar of care. Dr. Raphael Bruno uses the latest diagnostic methods to precisely determine your personal risk profile and derive a tailor-made prevention strategy for you.
The first step in heart prevention: analyzing your risk factors
Every effective Heart care begins with a systematic assessment. We analyze all the factors that influence your cardiovascular health. We distinguish between factors that you cannot change and those that you can actively manage together with us.
We use these factors to calculate your statistical 10-year risk using scientifically validated models (e.g. the ESC-SCORE2).
Preventive heart care - more than just numbers: The role of imaging
A calculated risk score is a statistical probability. The modern Heart care today goes a decisive step further: we look directly into your blood vessels. Using a painless ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries (carotid ultrasonography), we can measure the thickness of the vessel wall and look for early arteriosclerotic deposits (plaques).4
The detection of such plaques means that the disease process of arteriosclerosis has already begun in you. This finding has a high prognostic significance and often leads to your individual risk being classified higher and a more consistent preventive therapy being recommended. Imaging turns a statistical risk assessment into a personal risk assessment.
From risk analysis to strategy: your personal heart prevention plan
The result of your Heart care-The first step in the risk assessment is the classification into one of four risk categories. The individual therapy targets are derived directly from this category, particularly for blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
Risk categories and treatment goals (examples according to ESC guidelines)
Risk category | Typical features | LDL cholesterol target value (example) |
Low risk | Younger people without risk factors, 10-year risk < 5%. | < 116 mg/dl |
Moderate risk | E.g. younger diabetics without organ damage, 10-year risk 5% to < 10%. | < 100 mg/dl |
High risk | E.g. people with highly elevated individual risk factors (LDL > 190, blood pressure > 180/110), 10-year risk ≥ 10%. | < 70 mg/dl |
Very high risk | Patients with proven arteriosclerosis (e.g. after a heart attack, stent or with plaques on ultrasound). | < 55 mg/dl |
This table illustrates: Heart care is not a „one-size-fits-all“ solution. A cholesterol level that is acceptable for a person at low risk may already be far too high for a person at very high risk.
Heart care for special risk groups: A closer look
For some groups of people, a particularly careful and often intensified Heart care necessary.
Medical support: your partner in preventive heart care
Heart care is not a one-off event, but a continuous process. We see ourselves as your long-term partner on this journey. After the initial examination, we work with you to set realistic goals and schedule regular check-ups. At these appointments, we review the success of the measures introduced (both lifestyle changes and medication), adjust the strategy if necessary and motivate you to stay on your path. This continuous management is the key to long-term success.
Frequently asked questions about heart care
Here we answer frequently asked questions about cardiac prevention.
What is a „risk score“ and how is it calculated?
A risk score is a medical calculation tool.5 It uses your personal data such as age, gender, smoking status, systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels to calculate your statistical probability of suffering a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event in the next ten years. It is a key tool in the Heart care.
My father had a heart attack. How high is my risk?
A positive family history is an important, independent risk factor that increases your personal risk.6 However, it does not mean that you will necessarily suffer the same fate. Rather, it is a strong argument for starting early with a consistent Heart care and to optimally adjust all controllable risk factors.
I „only“ have slightly high blood pressure. Is that already a risk?
Yes, there is no threshold value above which blood pressure „suddenly“ becomes dangerous. The risk increases linearly with every mmHg. Even a „high-normal“ blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the long term. Early treatment, often initially through lifestyle measures, is an important part of Heart care.
Can arteriosclerosis be seen as part of heart screening?
Yes, direct visualization of the coronary arteries is only possible with invasive methods, but ultrasound of the carotid arteries as part of the Heart care serves as a „window“ to your entire vascular system. If we find deposits (plaques) here, we know that the process of arteriosclerosis is also taking place in other parts of the body, including the heart.
What is more important: lifestyle or medication?
The basis of every Heart care is always a healthy lifestyle. For low or moderate risk, this may already be sufficient. In the case of high or very high risk, a healthy lifestyle is still fundamental, but often not sufficient to achieve the aggressive therapy goals (e.g. very low LDL cholesterol). In this case, medication is an indispensable and life-saving supplement.
How does preventive heart care differ for men and women?
The basic risk factors are the same, but their weighting and severity can differ. In women, the Heart care after the menopause is particularly important. In addition, women-specific risk factors such as complications during pregnancy are included in a modern risk assessment.
I am athletic and slim. Is a heart screening unnecessary for me?
No. A healthy lifestyle significantly reduces your risk, but does not eliminate it completely.7 Genetic risk factors in particular, such as a high lipoprotein(a) or a familial tendency to high blood pressure, can also be present in people who are fit as a fiddle. A Heart care creates clarity and security here.
What is the difference between cardiac screening and an exercise ECG?
The exercise ECG is an important Part a comprehensive Heart care, but not the screening itself. It tests the function of the heart under load. However, a complete screening also includes the analysis of „silent“ risk factors (laboratory), the heart structure (ultrasound) and the condition of the blood vessels (vascular ultrasound).
Does my health insurance cover the costs of heart screening?
Private health insurance companies generally reimburse the costs in full. As a private practice, we are not licensed to treat patients with statutory health insurance. A purely preventive Heart care in a patient without symptoms is an individual health service (IGeL) and therefore a self-payment service.
How do I find the right doctor for my heart screening in Düsseldorf?
Look for a specialist in cardiology who ideally has additional qualifications in preventive medicine. Certifications such as „Hypertensiologist DHL®“ or „Lipidologist DGFF®“, as Dr. Raphael Bruno has in his practice in Düsseldorf, are a clear sign of a high level of expertise in preventive medicine. Heart care.
Take your risk into your own hands
Your heart health is the result of genetics, environment and, above all, your own choices. A professional Heart care gives you the knowledge and tools to make the right decisions. At Dr. Raphael Bruno's practice, we are your partner in analyzing your personal risk and developing an effective prevention strategy. Make an appointment and invest in your healthy future.
Opening hours:
Tuesday: 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 08:00 - 12:00
Thursday: 08:00 - 17:00
Friday: 08:00 - 13:00
Appointments by arrangement.
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