University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview
For more than 50 years, the medical innovations and groundbreaking research performed by physicians at the University of Minnesota have changed the face of heart disease.
This tradition of excellence continues today through the work of University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview.
We’ve transformed lives with major “firsts” in heart care, including:
- The world’s first successful open heart surgeries
- The first heart transplant in Minnesota
- The state’s first heart/lung transplant
- The first clinical studies in heart failure
- The implantation of the first partial artificial heart
- Some of the first highly intricate, close-up images of the heart
University of Minnesota Physicians Heart is a team of doctors, nurses and health care professionals committed to providing life-saving care to people with heart disease. Our cardiovascular physicians provide a full range of care, from prevention and treatment to transplants and the latest medical research. Physicians from around Minnesota call on University of Minnesota Physicians Heart to partner on many of the toughest cases.
We can serve you at 12 easy-to-reach community locations in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. This includes University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, Minneapolis; Fairview Southdale Hospital, Edina; Fairview Ridges Hospital, Burnsville; Fairview Lakes Medical Center, Wyoming; and Fairview Northland Medical Center, Princeton. See complete list.
For patient appointments
Call 612-365-5000, or toll-free, 1-877-650-1555
For physician referrals or consultations
Call 612-365-6000, or toll-free, 1-877-740-6444
Care Team
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Heart Transplant Medicine
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Heart Transplant Surgery
Learn more about services offered at these locations:
Locations by city:
Burnsville
Edina
Fridley
Hibbing
Maple Grove
Minneapolis
Princeton
Saint Paul
Wyoming
Patient Stories
I experienced two warning signs that indicated something could be wrong with my heart. First, in May, I had surgery, and within a day or two of going home, I started sweating and didn’t feel right. I was worried I was having a heart attack so my wife took me to Fairview Northland Medical Center.
Ray, heart care patient
My emergency room doctor ran me through all kinds of tests, but once again, my results came back fine. I felt fine—but he wasn’t comfortable with sending me home. After consulting with a cardiologist at Fairview Southdale Hospital, he decided I should be transferred there to get an angiogram so they could get a better look at my arteries.
I was floored by the results—my cardiologist, James Erdahl, MD, told me I had five blocked arteries. I didn’t think it would be that bad. I had some blockage in 1995, but had gone 17 years without any problems. I work out four times a week and lead a very active life. Even my doctors were amazed that I could function so well with that much blockage.
Dr. Erdahl recommended open heart bypass surgery. He repaired four arteries that were more than 95 percent blocked. A couple of days later, I was able to go back home to Princeton. I’m currently in cardiac rehab a few times a week at Fairview Northland Medical Center to rebuild my strength and endurance. I also see my cardiologist there for follow-ups. It’s been three months since my surgery, and I’m feeling great! I’ve had to cut back on hours at my business, but still enjoy working, traveling to races, and spending time with my wife of 38 years, our daughter and two grandchildren.
