The DGPR: a guarantor of quality in prevention and rehabilitation

The German Society for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Diseases (DGPR) is one of the leading medical societies in Germany. Its primary objective is to promote the scientific basis for the prevention and aftercare (rehabilitation) of heart disease and to establish quality standards for medical practice in this field. A doctor who follows the standards of the DGPR is committed to medicine that is proactive, evidence-based and geared towards the long-term health of the patient.

The tasks of a DGPR-qualified preventive physician

The range of tasks of an expert who works according to the DGPR standards is broad and covers the entire life cycle of cardiovascular diseases - from initial prevention to lifelong follow-up care after an event.

The core tasks are:

Primary prevention: Care of healthy people to identify and manage risk factors to prevent the first occurrence of heart disease.
Secondary prevention (rehabilitation): Comprehensive care of patients after a cardiac event (e.g. heart attack, bypass surgery) to prevent disease progression and recurrence.
Risk stratification: Precise assessment of each patient's individual risk using scientific scores and modern diagnostics.
Lifestyle medicine: Sound and motivating advice on the central pillars of a heart-healthy life: nutrition, exercise and stress management.
Training control: Physician-supervised planning and monitoring of physical training, both for prevention and rehabilitation (e.g. in heart groups).

Our approach: prevention and rehabilitation according to the principles of the DGPR

The philosophy of our practice is fully in line with the core competencies that a DGPR Preventive medicine specialist embodied. Dr. Raphael Bruno's diverse qualifications are practical proof of the implementation of these high standards in our daily work.

Comparison of DGPR competencies with our practice performance

Field of expertise according to DGPR	Concrete implementation in our practice	Your advantage
Comprehensive risk stratification	Carrying out specialized heart check-ups including laboratory, stress tests and vascular ultrasound.	You will receive a precise, individual assessment of your personal risk that goes beyond generalized statements.
Evidence-based lifestyle advice	Detailed advice on a Mediterranean diet and stress reduction based on current studies.	You will not receive general tips, but a practicable, scientifically based plan.
Individual training control	Carrying out sports fitness examinations and performance diagnostics; medical supervision of heart groups.	Your training is safe and effective, regardless of whether you are a healthy athlete or a cardiac patient.
Modern drug prevention	Use of modern therapies for the optimal control of blood pressure (as a hypertensiologist DHL®) and cholesterol (as a lipidologist DGFF®).	You benefit from guideline-based drug therapy tailored to your needs to maximize risk reduction.
Management of secondary prevention	Long-term follow-up care after a heart attack, stent or bypass surgery for monitoring and therapy adjustment.	You have a fixed, competent contact person who guarantees your long-term recovery and safety.

DGPR Preventive medicine in practice: your individual roadmap

Support in accordance with the standards that a DGPR Preventive medicine specialist is always an individual process. It starts with a comprehensive inventory. Where do you stand? What are your goals? What are your risks? Based on this analysis, we develop your personal health roadmap together. This plan is not a rigid guideline, but a dynamic concept that is reviewed at regular intervals and adapted to your progress and life circumstances. You are not just a patient, but an active partner in the management of your health.

Why the expertise of a DGPR-qualified doctor is crucial

The field of prevention is full of myths and commercial interests. A doctor who follows the strict scientific criteria of the DGPR offers you the security of evidence-based treatment. He or she can distinguish between important and unimportant measures, give sound reasons for the necessity of medication and protect you from unnecessary or ineffective interventions. This expertise, as embodied by Dr. Raphael Bruno through his qualifications in cardiology, sports medicine, hypertensiology and lipidology, is the key to a serious and successful prevention strategy.

Frequently asked questions about the DGPR preventive physician

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the DGPR and the qualification as a preventive physician.

What exactly is the DGPR?

The DGPR is the German Society for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Diseases. It is a non-profit organization and one of the most important medical-scientific societies in Germany dedicated to the promotion of research, teaching and care in cardiac prevention and rehabilitation.

Is „preventive physician“ a protected title?

The general term „preventive physician“ is not as strictly protected as a specialist title. This makes official certificates from recognized specialist associations all the more important. The title „DGPR Preventive medicine specialist“ is a quality certificate that requires structured further training and proven expertise.

What is the difference between the DGPR and the DGK (German Society of Cardiology)?

Both societies are central pillars of German cardiac medicine and work closely together. The DGK covers the entire spectrum of cardiology, including invasive and acute treatment. The DGPR has its historical and thematic focus, as the name suggests, specifically on the areas of prevention (preventive care) and rehabilitation (aftercare).

How do I find a qualified prevention doctor?

Look out for specialist titles (cardiology, internal medicine) and official additional qualifications from specialist associations. Certificates such as „Hypertensiologist DHL®“, „Lipidologist DGFF®“ or even „DGPR Preventive medicine specialist“ are reliable indicators of a high level of specialization in the field of prevention.

Is the DGPR's offer only aimed at sick people?

No, explicitly not. Prevention (primary prevention) is aimed at healthy people with the aim of preventing the onset of illness. Rehabilitation (secondary prevention) is aimed at patients after an event. A DGPR Preventive medicine specialist is the right contact for both groups.

Does a DGPR preventive physician also treat other diseases?

The focus is on cardiovascular diseases. However, as these are closely linked to the entire metabolism and other internal diseases (e.g. diabetes, kidney disease), a qualified preventive physician always has a holistic, internal view.

Why is rehabilitation so important?

Rehabilitation after a cardiac event has been shown to reduce mortality by around 25%. It is one of the most effective measures to improve prognosis. A physician applying the principles of the DGPR will always emphasize the critical importance of structured rehabilitation.

Is lifestyle change really as effective as medication?

Lifestyle changes are the basis of all prevention and can even replace medication if the risk is low. In the case of high risk or after an event, they are an indispensable supplement to drug therapy. A good DGPR Preventive medicine specialist will always optimally combine both pillars - lifestyle and medication.

What are the most important messages of the DGPR?

The key messages are: Cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable. Prevention and rehabilitation are highly effective medical interventions. A healthy lifestyle is the most powerful weapon to protect the heart.

Is it worth investing in preventive medical advice?

Absolutely. Investing in prevention is an investment in more healthy years of life and a higher quality of life. The costs and effort you invest in prevention are many times lower than the burden of a manifest cardiovascular disease.

Rely on tested standards for your heart health

The prevention and aftercare of heart disease should not be left to chance. It requires a structured, scientifically sound approach, as advocated by the DGPR. At Dr. Raphael Bruno's practice, we offer you care that meets these high quality standards. Make an appointment and let us work together to develop a plan for your long-term heart health.