Cardiology in Lagos
Coronary Heart Disease
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a cardiology specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Coronary Heart Disease
- Chest pain, tightness or pressure on exertion that eases with rest (angina)
- Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder or back
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling faint
- Feeling sick or sweating with chest discomfort
Coronary heart disease is a narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood, caused by a build-up of fatty material in their walls. It can cause chest pain on exertion (angina), and if an artery blocks suddenly, a heart attack. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and inactivity raise the risk, and all are common in Nigeria. It cannot be cured, but medicines, lifestyle changes, angioplasty with a stent and bypass surgery control it and lower the chance of a heart attack.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Chest pain, tightness or pressure on exertion that eases with rest (angina)
- Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder or back
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling faint
- Feeling sick or sweating with chest discomfort
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if chest pain or tightness comes on at rest, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with sweating, breathlessness, sickness or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back: this may be a heart attack, and every minute matters. Chew an aspirin on the way if you are not allergic and a doctor has not told you to avoid it. See a doctor soon for chest discomfort on exertion that eases with rest, or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol and have never had your heart risk checked.
Treatment options
- An ECG, blood tests and often an exercise test or angiogram
- Medicines for angina, blood pressure, cholesterol and to prevent clots
- Stopping smoking, more activity and a healthier diet
- Angioplasty and a stent to open a narrowed artery
- Coronary artery bypass surgery for several narrowed arteries
- Cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or procedure
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Stent or bypass: which is better?
It depends on how many arteries are narrowed, where, and whether you have diabetes. A stent suits one or two narrowings; bypass is often advised when several arteries or the main left artery are affected. Ask both a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon.
Can coronary heart disease be reversed?
Not fully, but it can be slowed a great deal. Controlling blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol, stopping smoking and staying active lower the chance of a heart attack.
Is chest pain always the heart?
No. Chest pain has many causes, from muscles to acid reflux. But chest pain at rest, or with sweating or breathlessness, should be treated as the heart until a hospital says otherwise.
Need Help?
Find a verified cardiology specialist near you.
Cardiology in Lagos →Cardiology in Abuja →Cardiology in Port Harcourt →Cardiology in Jos →Cardiology in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Coronary heart disease. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.