Cardiology Services at Saint Anne's Hospital

Comprehensive Cardiac Care in Fall River 

At Saint Anne's Hospital, our cardiology team brings together decades of clinical experience, advanced technology, and a deep commitment to protecting the heart health of the Fall River community. From non-invasive tests to advanced interventional procedures, including diagnostic and emergency (interventional) cardiac catheterization, you can get the cardiac care you need, right in your community. 

Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Procedures

At Saint Anne’s Hospital, our interventional cardiology services provide patients with advanced, catheter‑based treatments designed to quickly and effectively manage coronary artery disease and related heart conditions.

For patients experiencing a cardiac emergency, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)—also known as primary angioplasty—can be lifesaving when minutes matter. Our state‑of‑the‑art cardiac catheterization lab operates 24/7, allowing our cardiologists to perform emergency angioplasty and stenting immediately for patients suffering a heart attack caused by a blocked coronary artery. The hospital offers rapid, expert cardiac care close to home.

What Is Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)?

PCI is a non-surgical procedure that uses a catheter to place a stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Working in partnership with local Emergency Medical Services and using advanced technology such as Twiage, our interventional cardiologists and emergency physicians receive real‑time patient information before arrival. This coordination supports faster door‑to‑procedure times and ensures patients receive the highest level of cardiac care when they need it most.

Interventional Cardiology Services at Saint Anne's Hospital

Beyond emergency angioplasty, our cardiology department offers a full range of minimally invasive treatments to diagnose and manage complex heart conditions, including:

• Diagnostic cardiac catheterization, used to diagnose cardiac disease
• Cardioversion, used to restore a normal heart rhythm  
• Coronary angiography, used to diagnose how well blood flows through arteries
• Intra-aortic balloon pump insertion to help the heart pump blood
• Loop recorders, inserted to record electrical signals of the heart
• Pacemaker and defibrillator implants and insertions
• Pericardiocentesis, used to remove fluid from around the heart
• Transesophogeal echocardiogram, used to produce pictures of the heart 

Diagnostic Cardiology Services

Non-Invasive Cardiac Testing Options

Saint Anne’s Hospital provides a full spectrum of non‑invasive and invasive diagnostic tools designed to accurately assess heart function, detect cardiovascular disease early, and guide personalized treatment plans. Our cardiology team delivers precise, timely evaluations that help patients protect their heart health with confidence. Non-invasive cardiac testing at Saint Anne's Hospital includes:

• Echocardiography
• Cardiac stress testing
• Nuclear imaging
• Electrocardiography
• Cardiac ultrasound
• Holter monitoring
• Pacemaker checks 

Stroke Care in Fall River, MA

Saint Anne's Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for successfully implementing a high standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

Saint Anne's is certified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a Primary Stroke Service, a standard developed to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Heart Rhythm & Electrophysiology Care

Saint Anne’s Hospital provides specialized evaluation and treatment for heart rhythm disorders through our comprehensive electrophysiology services. Patients with arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, or irregular heartbeats, receive expert assessment using advanced diagnostic tools. These technologies allow our cardiology team to closely monitor electrical activity in the heart and identify the source of rhythm disturbances with precision.

Our electrophysiology specialists offer a full range of rhythm‑management therapies tailored to each patient’s needs. Treatment options may include medication management, cardioversion to restore a normal heartbeat, or the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators to help regulate heart rhythm and prevent dangerous arrhythmias. For patients requiring long‑term monitoring or device adjustments, our team provides ongoing follow‑up and coordinated care to ensure optimal heart function and safety.

Preventive Cardiology & Heart Health Management

Saint Anne’s Hospital’s preventive cardiology services focus on helping patients understand their personal risk for heart disease and take proactive steps to protect long‑term heart health. Through comprehensive risk assessment, including evaluation of blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, and lifestyle factors, our cardiology team provides clear, personalized guidance to support healthier living and offers the expertise and support needed to stay ahead of heart disease. 

Whether you’re managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or early signs of coronary artery disease, our cardiologists help you build sustainable habits around nutrition, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation. Patients benefit from ongoing monitoring, medication management when appropriate, and regular follow‑up with experienced cardiologists who understand how to prevent disease progression.

What to Expect as a Cardiology Patient at Saint Anne'a Hospital

As a cardiology patient at Saint Anne’s Hospital, you can expect coordinated, compassionate care supported by the expertise of the Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute, one of the region’s leading providers of advanced cardiac services. Most patients begin with a referral from their primary care provider or another specialist, which helps our team understand your medical history and the reason for your visit. Once your referral is received, our scheduling team will help you book an appointment with one of our experienced cardiologists. 

During your appointment, your cardiologist will review your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history before recommending any necessary testing. Because the hospital is part of the Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute, patients benefit from access to a comprehensive network of cardiac diagnostic and interventional services across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This includes advanced imaging, non‑invasive testing, catheter‑based procedures, heart failure management, lipid and hypertension programs, congenital heart disease care, and cardiac rehabilitation. All testing and follow‑up care are coordinated within the hospital or through convenient ambulatory centers throughout the region. 

After your evaluation, you’ll receive a personalized care plan that may include lifestyle guidance, medication management, additional testing, or follow‑up appointments. If you require interventional procedures or long‑term cardiac care, our specialists work closely with your primary care provider and the broader Cardiovascular Institute team to ensure integrated treatment.