Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the impact of the use of case stories on promoting cardiovascular health (CVH) knowledge as well as determining the contextual application of CVH knowledge in an urban population in Nigeria. Design: Participatory action research. Setting: Urban setting in Nigeria. Method: Fifty participants were recruited through convenience sampling from an urban population in Nigeria. The researcher in collaboration with two faith leaders, a tribal leader and participants designed two case-based learning tools that were used to facilitate community health education that lasted for 16 weeks and which incorporated the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating twice a week over the same period. The impact of the health education intervention on knowledge concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors was determined using McNemar's test. Results: Overall, 34% of the participants were able to give relevant pieces of advice relating to the two case-based learning scenarios about improving CVH. This percentage is lower compared with overall 76% of the participants who identified modifiable risk factors contributing to CVD in a questionnaire format before the health education session. Although participants were able to identify correct responses in a questionnaire format, it appeared more difficult for them to apply contextualised knowledge using the case-based learning tools. This suggests that the use of case-based learning tools is more realistic to life experience. Conclusion: Raising awareness of modifiable risk factors that contribute to CVD using case-based learning can be an important approach to reaching urban communities. Case-based learning is a useful tool to promote CVH knowledge.