Heart consultation in Düsseldorf: time for your questions, clarity for your health

A heart consultation is a detailed, personal discussion with an experienced cardiologist that goes beyond simply reporting findings and helps you to understand and actively manage your heart health. In our practice in Düsseldorf the Heart advice is a central component of patient-oriented medicine at Dr. Raphael Bruno. We are convinced that a well-informed patient who understands his or her health situation is the best partner for successful treatment. That's why we take the time to listen to your questions, concerns and plan the next steps together.

What is a cardiology consultation and how does it differ from an examination?

While a cardiologic examination is primarily aimed at collecting data and findings using technical procedures (such as ECG or ultrasound), the focus of the Heart advice The focus is on dialog. Of course, a sound diagnosis is often the basis of the conversation, but the focus here is on:

Translation: We „translate“ complex medical findings into a language you can understand.
Classification: We place your results in the context of your personal life situation, your goals and your concerns.
Clarification: We explain the various treatment options with their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Partnership: We work with you to develop a plan that you can understand, support and implement in your everyday life.

A good Heart advice enables you to become an active manager of your own health.

Heart advice for prevention: optimize your lifestyle

One of the most important applications of the Heart advice takes place in the area of preventive care. After a comprehensive cardiological check-up, we do not leave you alone with the results. As part of a detailed consultation, we will analyze your individual risk profile together. We will show you where your strengths lie and which „adjusting screws“ (e.g. diet, exercise, stress management) have the greatest potential to improve your heart health. The aim is to use the diagnostic data to develop a motivating and realistic plan for a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Heart counseling for known heart disease: understanding therapy, living safely

If you have already been diagnosed with heart disease, this often raises many questions and uncertainties. A specialized Heart advice helps you to deal with the new situation and make therapy an integral part of your life.

Topics of this advice are often:

A precise understanding of your disease.
The mode of action and necessity of your medication.
Dealing with possible side effects.
Guidelines for physical activity and sport.
Warning signals you should look out for.
The planning of necessary check-ups.

A continuous Heart advice gives you the security you need to lead an active and self-determined life with chronic heart disease.

Second opinion heart consultation: peace of mind when making important decisions

If you are facing a serious diagnosis or are recommended a major procedure (e.g. a cardiac catheterization or an operation), it is your right and often very sensible to obtain a second, independent opinion. As part of a second opinionHeart advice Dr. Raphael Bruno will analyze all your preliminary findings neutrally and on the basis of current scientific guidelines. He will explain his assessment to you and help you weigh up the various options so that you can make an informed and confident decision.

How Dr. Raphael Bruno designs your heart consultation

Dr. Raphael Bruno's philosophy is characterized by empathy and communication at eye level. The aim of every Heart advice is for you to leave the practice with more knowledge and fewer worries. To make the interview as useful as possible for you, preparing a few points can help.

Your guide to a successful consultation

Subject area	Sample questions you can ask	What you should prepare
My symptoms	„What is the exact cause of my heart palpitations?“ „Why do I only have shortness of breath under stress?“	Make a note of when, how often and in which situation your symptoms occur.
My risk factors	„How much does my cholesterol affect my overall risk?“ „What is my most important risk factor?“	Bring current laboratory values or blood pressure records, if available.
My medication	„Why do I have to take this particular tablet?“ „What happens if I forget to take it?“	Make a complete list of all medications and dietary supplements you are taking.
My lifestyle	„Which sport is best for me?“ „Are there 3 things I should change immediately in my diet?“	Think about your current habits and where you could imagine making a change.
My worries	„What is my personal risk of heart attack?“ „Can I grow old with this disease?“	Be open and honest about your fears. This is the only way we can address them in a targeted manner.

Frequently asked questions about heart advice

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the procedure and content of a cardiology consultation.

How long does a detailed heart consultation take?

For an initial consultation or a comprehensive second opinionHeart advice we deliberately plan a generous time window of 10 to 30 minutes. This gives us the time we need to discuss all aspects carefully without you feeling rushed.

Can I bring relatives to the heart consultation?

Yes, absolutely. We very much welcome it if you bring your partner or another person you trust with you to the consultation. Four ears often hear more than two, and support from family members is an important factor in the success of treatment.

Does an examination also take place during a pure heart consultation?

It depends on the occasion. If you come for a second opinion with complete, up-to-date preliminary findings, the focus may be purely on the consultation. However, a brief physical examination and a current ECG are usually part of a well-founded second opinion. Heart advice.

Do you also offer a telephone heart consultation or video consultation?

Yes, for known patients, to discuss findings or for follow-up checks, a video consultation or telephone consultation can be arranged. Heart advice can be a sensible and time-saving alternative. However, an initial presentation or the clarification of new, complex symptoms usually requires personal contact in the practice.

What does a heart consultation cost?

The medical consultation is a core service, the costs of which are billed according to the scale of fees for doctors (GOÄ). For private patients, these costs are usually covered in full by the insurance company. Patients with statutory health insurance who require a detailed Heart advice as a self-payer, we will be happy to provide transparent information about the costs in advance.

I have a lot of documents. Should I bring them all with me?

Yes, please bring all relevant medical documents (doctor's letters, lab results, cardiac catheterization results, etc.) with you to your appointment. The more complete the picture we can obtain, the more precise and well-founded our diagnosis will be. Heart advice be for you.

Do you also advise on alternative or complementary healing methods?

The focus of our Heart advice is based on scientifically sound, evidence-based medicine. However, we are open to complementary approaches, particularly in the area of stress management (e.g. yoga, meditation) or nutrition. We will inform you honestly about which methods are proven to be effective and where the limits lie.

My German is not perfect. Can the conversation also be conducted in English?

Yes, Dr. Raphael Bruno leads the Heart advice fluent in English, if required, to ensure that no language barriers stand in the way of full understanding. Please indicate this request when making an appointment.

I don't feel understood by my previous doctor. Can you help?

This is a frequent and important reason for a second opinion consultation.Heart advice. Sometimes a new perspective or a different kind of explanation helps you to gain confidence and understand a therapy. We take the time to listen to your previous experiences and give you our independent assessment.

What is the most important goal of a good heart consultation?

The most important goal is that at the end of the conversation you have the feeling: „Now I understand. Now I know what to do.“ A good Heart advice replaces fear with knowledge and uncertainty with a clear plan.

Your heart has a voice - we listen

In the hectic pace of the modern healthcare system, conversation often gets lost. We are convinced that listening is the first step towards healing. If you want a comprehensive Heart advice in Düsseldorf, where your questions and concerns take center stage, then make an appointment at the Kardio Pro practice. We look forward to listening to you.