Urgent symptoms
When it cannot wait for an appointment
Some heart symptoms need help straight away. This page lists the warning signs and what to do. It is general information and does not replace calling for help.
Chest pain now? Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency unit. Our 24-hour nurse line: +234 800 000 0142
Know the warning signsCall 112 now if you have
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
- Sudden severe breathlessness
- Fainting with chest pain or palpitations
- Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, or trouble speaking
While you wait
- Stop and sit or lie down
- Loosen tight clothing
- Unlock the door and keep your phone close
- Do not drive yourself
- Tell the responders about your medicines
Call the nurse line if
- You have new palpitations but feel otherwise well
- Your home blood pressure is very high without symptoms
- Your ankles are newly swollen
- You are unsure what to do
Know the signs
Heart symptoms can be quiet
Not everyone feels crushing chest pain. Women, older people and people with diabetes may feel tiredness, breathlessness, sickness or discomfort in the back or stomach instead.
If something feels wrong and new, it is always right to ask.
Our role
What Cardinal can and cannot do
We are a heart clinic, not an emergency department. Here is how we fit in.
We can
Answer the nurse line 24 hours, see you quickly in clinic for new symptoms, and share your records with an emergency team.
We cannot
Treat a heart attack or stroke in progress. For those, the nearest emergency unit and 112 are the right call.
After
Once you are home, we see you in clinic, plan your recovery and offer cardiac rehabilitation.
Questions
Urgent questions
Should I take anything for chest pain?
Only what a doctor has already told you to take for this situation. When you call 112, the responders will advise you.
Can I come straight to Cardinal?
For chest pain or stroke signs, no: go to the nearest emergency unit. For new but milder symptoms, call the nurse line and we will see you as soon as we can.
Can you send my records to a hospital?
Yes, at any hour. Ask the hospital to call our nurse line.