Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Cardiovascular Disease
New patients, please call for availability
Electrophysiology
Accepting new patients
Accepted Health Plans
Professional Interests
Cardiovascular Disease
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Anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, Arrhythmia, Cardiac ablation, Electrophysiology study, Implantable cardiac defibrillator, Pacemaker services, Radiofrequency ablation, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Affiliations
- Hospital Affiliations
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California Pacific Medical Center
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Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
- Medical Affiliations
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Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
- Sutter West Bay Medical Group
Practice Locations
Board Certifications
BOARD CERTIFIED IN:
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Cardiovascular Disease
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Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
Credentials & Notables
- Medical School:
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Loma Linda University School of Medicine
- Residency:
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Legacy Emanual and Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland Oregon
- Internship:
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Legacy Emanual and Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland Oregon
- Fellowship:
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Cardiac Electrophysiology - UCSF Medical Center
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Cardiology - California Pacific Medical Center
Languages
- Primary Language(s)
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English
- Additional Language(s)
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Chinese (Interpreter available)
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Japanese (Fluent)
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Spanish (Interpreter available)
Community Activities
District Councilor, American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Personal Interests
Dr. Hongo enjoys spending time with family.
Philosophy of Care
There are many facets to the medical care of any given person, and it takes time to integrate all the different issues that are involved. Although our goal is to be excellent in the management of all heart rhythm problems, we also strive to deliver a comprehensive care that treats the person, not just the body, and is truly healing.
Ask an Expert
I've been on medication for atrial fibrillation for a number of years. Would it ever be okay to discontinue the medication to see if my arrhythmia is no longer there?
Generally, it is not a good idea to suddenly stop a medication that has been taken for years to manage atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is typically a progressive and chronic condition that, without an intervention... continue reading about I've been on medication for atrial fibrillation for a number of years. Would it ever be okay to discontinue the medication to see if my arrhythmia is no longer there?
I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?
Palpitations are frequently caused by anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety can be caused by palpitations. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what is causing what.Typically, if you have no history of heart di... continue reading about I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?
What is sudden cardiac death and who is at most risk? Are there any signs or symptoms?
The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Ventricular tachyarrhythmia is a very rapid and unstable rhythm that originates from the lower chambers of the heart, or the ventric... continue reading about What is sudden cardiac death and who is at most risk? Are there any signs or symptoms?
I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
Control of ventricular tachycardia depends a lot on the type of tachycardia that you have. Based on the fact you have had this for several years and have been controlling it without medications, you most likely... continue reading about I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
Does a lack of minerals cause a quivering heart?
When the level of certain electrolytes in the blood gets low, this can cause more extra heart beats (premature atrial complexes, premature ventricular complexes) and also promote more abnormal heart rhythm, esp... continue reading about Does a lack of minerals cause a quivering heart?
I had a pacemaker inserted a year ago. It keeps dropping down and looks like the wires are about to pop out. I've asked my cardiologist about it several times and he said it's fine and should not drop anymore. I exercise 5x/week. Is that too much?
The position of the pacemaker can shift over time. After about a year, however, a strong capsule has formed around the device and it should not move any further. Because the device and the leads are very secure... continue reading about I had a pacemaker inserted a year ago. It keeps dropping down and looks like the wires are about to pop out. I've asked my cardiologist about it several times and he said it's fine and should not drop anymore. I exercise 5x/week. Is that too much?
Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
In general, heart palpitations are not a serious problem as long as the heart is healthy. Being in good physical shape and staying active are good signs that the heart is indeed healthy. There are times, howeve... continue reading about Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
I have heart palpitations, and sometimes I think I can even feel them in my head and neck. Could that be possible? The palpitations seem to get worse if I drink too much coffee or wine. Are there other things I should be avoiding?
Feeling palpitations in the head or neck is sometimes a sign of a particular type of tachycardia called "AV nodal reentry tachycardia." This is a rapid heart rhythm caused by an electrical short circuit in the ... continue reading about I have heart palpitations, and sometimes I think I can even feel them in my head and neck. Could that be possible? The palpitations seem to get worse if I drink too much coffee or wine. Are there other things I should be avoiding?
I have heart palpitations and have been tested with the 24-hour monitors. But of course my palpitations never seem to happen when I have the Holter monitor on. So how can my problem be diagnosed?
It is not uncommon to miss heart palpitations during a 24-hour ECG monitor. Palpitations can come and go, and catching them can be elusive at times. There are monitors that can be worn for seven days or longer ... continue reading about I have heart palpitations and have been tested with the 24-hour monitors. But of course my palpitations never seem to happen when I have the Holter monitor on. So how can my problem be diagnosed?
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