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
My son, 20, is leaving for boot camp soon. He's developed a rapid heartbeat during his work outs and sudden spikes in blood pressure. He had an EKG and all was normal. They thought it was stress. What are the next steps?
There are a number of heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause a sudden rapid heartbeat during exercise. A normal evaluation in the emergency room typically will not reveal the rhythm problem because the evalu... continue reading about My son, 20, is leaving for boot camp soon. He's developed a rapid heartbeat during his work outs and sudden spikes in blood pressure. He had an EKG and all was normal. They thought it was stress. What are the next steps?
How do I know if I'm having a heart palpitation? What do they feel like?
Palpitations can feel different to different people. Sometimes they are described as a skipping sensation of the heart. Sometimes an irregularity in the heart beat is likened to a bird fluttering around inside ... continue reading about How do I know if I'm having a heart palpitation? What do they feel like?
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?
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?
My heart has been skipping and I'm feeling dizzy. I went in for testing and was diagnosed with second degree heart block. The doctor said that if it goes to third degree, he might suggest a pacemaker. What can I do to avoid moving to third degree?
When the heart beat starts to slow down, or when the conduction starts to block every so often, sometimes it is because a medication is stressing the heart's electrical system. If there are no medications to ac... continue reading about My heart has been skipping and I'm feeling dizzy. I went in for testing and was diagnosed with second degree heart block. The doctor said that if it goes to third degree, he might suggest a pacemaker. What can I do to avoid moving to third degree?
I have occasional rapid heartbeats, which my doctor recently diagnosed as PSVD. But I have no other heart conditions. So he did not suggest any type of treatment except to avoid certain things like alcohol. Is there anything else I should be doing?
PSVTs, or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, are generally quite bothersome, but almost never life-threatening. The only time when PSVTs can pose serious danger is in the rare setting of Wolff-Parkinson-... continue reading about I have occasional rapid heartbeats, which my doctor recently diagnosed as PSVD. But I have no other heart conditions. So he did not suggest any type of treatment except to avoid certain things like alcohol. Is there anything else I should be doing?
My primary care doctor detected an abnormal heart rhythm and wants me to see a cardiologist for an EP study. What is an EP study and what is the cardiologist looking for?
The EP study is an "electrophysiology study." This is a test that is performed by a cardiac electrophysiologist (a specialized cardiologist that is trained to manage heart rhythm problems). The EP study is a co... continue reading about My primary care doctor detected an abnormal heart rhythm and wants me to see a cardiologist for an EP study. What is an EP study and what is the cardiologist looking for?
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?
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