UPDATED: COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Resources. Learn more. Proudly part of Privia Health Cardiac Care Associates Menu The nurse was friendly, efficient and passionate about her work. Dr. Yager was superb. friendly, focused and interested in me as a patient and my health. Very collaborative and great discussion about overall heath and steps to ensure my heart is healthy and remains that way. Highly recommended. Thank you. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Echocardiogram Echocardiogram What is an echocardiogram? An echocardiogram, sometimes called an “echo,” is an imaging test that uses the echoes of sound waves that are bounced off your heart to create a moving picture of your moving heart, its muscles and valves. It shows how well your heart is working, as well as how large your heart is. A small hand-held device called a transducer is used to transmit and receive the sound waves and echoes that take the pictures of your heart. Special equipment changes the echoes into images of your heart that are seen on a monitor. These images help the doctor evaluate your heart. An echo is very safe and painless. In fact, echocardiograms are very similar to the imaging technique called sonograms or ultrasounds used with pregnant women to monitor the developing fetus while still in the womb. Before your Echo It is best to avoid eating within two hours prior to the test. Make sure you wear a two-piece outfit, you may need to undress from the waist up and put on a gown. Although the test itself takes less than 45 minutes, you should allow extra time to check in. For this test, which is a non-stress echocardiogram, you may take your normal medications before the test. During your Echo Small electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat. A transducer coated with warm gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates the sound waves that make the images of your heart. At times, you may be asked to exhale and hold your breath for a few seconds. Air in your lungs can affect the images. The images of your heart are recorded on a CD so your doctor can review them. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Inova Fairfax Hospital Loudoun Hospital Center Reston Hospital Center Cardiac Care Associates 1830 Town Center Drive Suite 405 Reston, VA 20190 703.481.9191 571.423.5082 OTHER LOCATIONS Meet the Team Carla Reynoso, FNP Michael Banihashemi, MD, FACC, RPVI Kenneth M. Brooks, MD, FACC Douglas (Alec) Hill, MD, FACC Bhanu Krishnan, MD, FACC See More Patient Resources About Us When you are a Cardiac Care Associates patient, you will establish a one-to-one relationship with one of our outstanding cardiologists. You will know your doctor and your doctor will know you. Our nursing, front office and back office staffs are committed to making sure you get the care you deserve. ©2021 Privia Health, LLC | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Language Services | HIPAA Privacy Notice About Privia Careers Press Room Prospective Doctors