Internist in Düsseldorf: Dr. Raphael Bruno - Your specialist for internal medicine

An internist is your specialist for the prevention, detection and treatment of diseases of the internal organs. At our practice in Düsseldorf, Dr. Raphael Bruno, an experienced specialist in internal medicine and cardiology, offers you comprehensive internal medicine care with a special focus on the cardiovascular system. We understand the human body as a complex, interconnected system and therefore pursue a holistic approach in order to get to the bottom of the causes of your complaints and provide you with sound and sustainable treatment.

The Internist: A Specialist in Internal Medicine

Often the Internist referred to as the „detective“ among doctors. His or her role is to identify the correct connections in cases of unclear symptoms or complex clinical pictures and to make an accurate diagnosis. Unlike in surgical specialties, a specialist in internal medicine primarily treats patients conservatively—that is, with medication, recommendations for lifestyle changes, and other non-surgical measures.

The specialty of internal medicine is broadly diversified and covers the function and disease of a large number of organ systems. A Internist deals with, among other things:

• Heart and circulation: Diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, cardiac insufficiency, circulatory disorders and arrhythmias.
• Respiratory organs: Treatment of diseases of the lungs and bronchial tubes, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.
• Digestive organs: Clarification of complaints of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas.
• Kidneys and urinary tract: Care of patients with renal dysfunction.
• Metabolism and hormones: Treatment of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders and lipometabolic disorders.
• vascular system: Diagnosis of diseases of the arteries and veins, for example arteriosclerosis.
• Blood and blood-forming organs: Clarification of blood count changes.

As your Internist in Düsseldorf, Dr. Raphael Bruno's aim is to gain an overview of the complex interaction of these organ systems and to take a holistic view of your health.

When does it make sense to visit an internist in Düsseldorf?

A visit to the internist is the right decision in many different situations. They are often the first point of contact after the family doctor when it comes to clarifying specific or complex health problems.

An appointment with a Internists is particularly advisable:

• For unclear or general symptoms: If you suffer from symptoms such as persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss, fever or dizziness, an internist can narrow down the cause through a systematic examination.
• For precaution and prevention: Regular health check-ups (e.g. „Check-up 35“) are used for the early detection of diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease or cardiovascular problems.
• For chronic diseases: A Internist provides long-term care and management for patients with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus or coronary heart disease.
• To obtain a second opinion: Before making a far-reaching treatment decision, the well-founded opinion of an experienced specialist in internal medicine can be very valuable.
• For diseases involving several organs: The internist's holistic view is crucial, particularly in the case of clinical pictures that affect different organ systems at the same time.

Internist and cardiologist: the advantages of dual specialization

Dr. Raphael Bruno is not only a specialist in internal medicine, but has also specialized in the field of cardiology. This dual specialization as Internist and cardiologist offers you as a patient an invaluable advantage. Many internal diseases have a direct impact on the heart - and vice versa.

• Diabetes and the heart: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and massively increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Kidney disease and heart: Impaired kidney function often leads to high blood pressure that is difficult to control and puts a strain on the heart.
• Thyroid diseases and the heart: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
• Sleep apnea and the heart: Nocturnal breathing interruptions are a significant stress factor for the cardiovascular system and a common cause of high blood pressure.

As your Internist in Düsseldorf with a focus on cardiology, Dr. Raphael Bruno can recognize these connections directly and incorporate them into the treatment strategy. You benefit from comprehensive diagnostics and treatment from a single source, without having to go through other specialists.

Internal diagnostics in the Kardio Pro practice

In order to be able to make a precise diagnosis, a Internist a wide range of diagnostic procedures. In our modern, well-equipped practice in Düsseldorf, we can offer you many of these examinations directly on site.

Overview of organ systems and diagnostics

The following table shows examples of the clinical pictures we investigate as internists and the diagnostic methods we use.

This integrated diagnostics enables us as your Internists in Düsseldorf to reach a reliable diagnosis quickly and efficiently.

Frequently asked questions for your internist

Here we answer some of the questions that patients often ask an internal medicine specialist.

What is the difference between a family doctor and an internist?

A family doctor (often a specialist in general medicine) is the first point of contact for all health problems and coordinates further treatment. A Internist is a specialist doctor who specializes and deals in depth with diseases of the internal organs. Many internists also work as general practitioners, but often offer an extended diagnostic spectrum. Dr. Bruno works as a specialist and focuses on specialist internal medicine and cardiology care.

Do I need a referral for the internist?

Private patients can usually make an appointment directly, but should clarify this with their insurance company to be on the safe side.

Does an internist also treat psychological complaints?

A Internist primarily treats organic diseases. However, there are close interactions between the body and the mind (psychosomatics). Many physical symptoms can have a psychological cause or be exacerbated by stress. An attentive internist is mindful of these connections and, if necessary, recommends further evaluation or treatment by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Does an internist also perform operations?

No, internal medicine is a conservative specialty. This means that a Internist does not perform surgery himself. If the diagnostic process reveals that surgery is necessary, he will refer you to a surgeon or a specialist in the relevant field and coordinate your follow-up care.

What check-ups does an internist offer?

Internists play a central role in preventive healthcare. In our practice, we offer the statutory „Check-up 35“, which is carried out every three years from the age of 35 for the early detection of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease. We are also happy to advise you on useful individual health services (IGeL) for extended preventive care.

My symptom affects several parts of my body. Is the internist the right doctor?

Yes, absolutely. Especially in the case of complex, systemic or unclear complaints, the Internist is the ideal contact person. Thanks to his broad training, he is trained to think beyond the boundaries of individual organs, combine symptoms and put the „puzzle“ together to form a conclusive diagnosis.

What does „general practitioner care by an internist“ mean?

When a Internist practicing as a family doctor, he acts as your primary contact for all health issues, just like a general practitioner. The advantage is that he can often carry out a more in-depth diagnostic clarification of internal medical issues directly in his own practice. At the Kardio Pro practice, the focus is on specialist care.

How does an internist treat high blood pressure?

Treating high blood pressure is a core task for everyone Internists. It begins with detailed advice on lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and stress reduction. If this is not sufficient, drug therapy is initiated, which is individually tailored to the patient and any accompanying illnesses and monitored regularly.

Can I also come to the internist for vaccinations?

Yes, vaccinations are also part of the range of services offered by an internist. We are happy to check your vaccination status and carry out all standard and booster vaccinations recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) (e.g. tetanus, influenza). Good vaccination prophylaxis is an important part of preventive internal health care.

My family doctor doesn't know what to do, can an internist help?

This is precisely one of the main tasks of a specialist internist. If a diagnosis is unclear or an initiated therapy does not bring the desired success, the family doctor refers the patient for further „internal clarification“. With his specialized expertise and extended diagnostic possibilities, the Internist often find new solutions.

Comprehensive internal medical care in Düsseldorf

At the Kardio Pro practice, you will find Dr. Raphael Bruno to be a highly qualified and committed specialist. Internists, which offers you comprehensive medical care. By combining our broad knowledge of internal medicine with our expertise in cardiology, we can thoroughly assess and treat your health. If you are looking for a thorough internal medicine evaluation or long-term care for your chronic condition in Düsseldorf, please feel free to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you.