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There's a new number to call for people in the metro area who think they might be having a heart attack.  

The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview is setting up an 800 number, staffed 24 hours a day.  

Cardiology nurses will direct callers to call 911, go to an emergency room, or see a doctor soon depending on their symptoms.  

The director of interventional cardiology at University-Fairview, Gladwin Das, said many people suffering a heart attack do not realize what is happening.

"It sometimes presents as heartburn or occasionally just a feeling of sweating, feeling nauseous, vomiting, some of these symptoms can be very unusual especially in women. There may be value in calling an experienced nurse who can analyze their symptoms," Das said.

He said too many heart attack sufferers do not want to believe it is happening, and are reluctant to call 911. The nurse line can be less threatening.

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Stephanie Hemphill

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The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview is setting up a call line to help metro-area residents who think they might be having a heart attack. The Chest Pain Center will be staffed by cardiology nurses 24-hours a day.

Hotline for heart attack victims

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