Dr. Thomas G. Hopkins, MD

03/31/2026

They say music soothes the savage beast. That’s good news if the beast is heart disease!

Music can help heart patients lower their heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels, and can significantly reduce pain and anxiety in post-infarction angina patients.

Read on to find out how music can help your heart.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/music-therapy-promising-approach-cardiovascular-health?utm_campaign=pt_aff-brand-core-26_02&utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_content=livingwell_newsletter&mkt_tok=MDAyLUNUUC0xNjQAAAGgL_-sgtHTlg8yayzF2E5cBdnPhBqgUFepdusNHL1ai5gnqt6kJ3mpuxhssb7LpxjDDBxr6htFter51rkHbT4pf-boqmX9RNyRCRVa_Zr71ppjgTsg

After having a heart attack, it's common to make lifestyle changes: get more exercise, give up certain foods and throw away ci******es. These lifestyle behaviors can lower your risk of another heart attack.But you’ll probably experience chest pains following a heart attack – also known as early ...

03/29/2026

Many of the unhealthy choices we make – from skipping exercise to eating late at night – can put our health at risk.

That’s because these lifestyle decisions can trigger chronic inflammation, a major risk factor of heart disease.

Here’s a look at the connection between lifestyle, inflammation and heart disease.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/connection-between-lifestyle-inflammation-and-cardiovascular-disease?utm_campaign=pt_aff-brand-core-26_02&utm_content=livingwell_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=marketo

You probably already know that unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle can raise your risk of cardiovascular disease. But did you ever wonder how these conditions are connected? The answer is inflammation, a byproduct of the immu...

03/22/2026

Cardiovascular disease has reigned as the leading cause of death in the U.S. since 1921. It’s also a significant cause of disability. Many risk factors are associated with the disease.

While some of the risk factors are beyond your control, many that can be managed through lifestyle and working with your doctor, such as these 10.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/do-these-10-things-healthier-heart?mkt_tok=MDAyLUNUUC0xNjQAAAGgL_-sghXzvr-XEIYSyauymertwpKTfNpjxBq8RqF2ECRd9vO5qTAmGRxWz92BjdoVCzt_NH7Ip8DG7YVuoiALCD49ctjeGwkSl1OlifZSf6kFaMmW&utm_campaign=pt_aff-brand-core-26_02&utm_content=livingwell_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=marketo

Did you know that almost 50 percent of Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease? This disease, which includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, high blood pressure and stroke, is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.

03/15/2026

Chronic stress is behind 75 to 90% of primary care visits and can be devastating for our heart. It contributes to plaque buildup and raises heart rate and blood pressure.

Most people feel powerless to change stress, not recognizing its symptoms or connection to wellness. But you can control stress and lower heart disease risk through understanding, managing stress and medical guidance.

Learn more here https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/lowering-your-stress-may-be-key-lowering-heart-disease-risk?mkt_tok=MDAyLUNUUC0xNjQAAAGgL_-sgh43sgyzrlt4RgO8xVUlRTapD4EmxZWIhePVhCPn-IlYfm3UrRtMP41YM8C8nB3SAUoUw90avfn7mX6nOpz15FqKeZyrwTV2lplEVYl-1dtl&utm_campaign=pt_aff-brand-core-26_02&utm_content=livingwell_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=marketo

Is stress killing you? Really, is it killing you? Because stress can. Stress is a necessary part of everyday life. When it’s short-term, it can motivate us, focus our energy and even improve performance. But it can also raise our risk for conditions like heart disease, the leading cause of death i...

03/08/2026

Cardiovascular disease is largely a lifestyle disease. But your cardiovascular health often involves other systems.

There’s a real but often overlooked connection between the endocrine system, which includes your thyroid, and your cardiovascular system.

Learn how endocrine issues affect your heart and how to maintain a well-functioning endocrine system today!

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/how-your-endocrine-system-affects-your-heart-health?utm_campaign=pt_aff-brand-core-26_02&utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_content=livingwell_newsletter&mkt_tok=MDAyLUNUUC0xNjQAAAGgL_-sggpO0jbkrpjeozq1y-EVJ8yH6IuE_EgXealcUVH_mwtJc5pF_iiTk8H1JABBtWrgLMziR2p4HWKA1Np30NAJFKaZyq_YlqNmAoR2G3RBOXBH

We often think of the systems in our body as acting independently from one another. Our brain does its thing, our gut does its thing. But our systems are more connected than we think. Our brain and gut are connected through our central nervous system, which is why doctors occasionally refer to our g...

02/08/2026

You don’t have to call them "New Year's resolutions" to see a difference in your health. You don’t even have to follow them perfectly every single day to make an impact. 🗓️

If your goal is to live longer and feel younger, consistency—not perfection—is the key.

Fortunately, there are five scientifically backed steps you can take to improve your longevity. Here’s how to get started. 🧬✨

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/5-science-backed-steps-longer-healthier-life

Most people want to live a healthy lifestyle. As many as 87 percent of Americans agree that they would like to take steps to live a healthier for longer, according to a study conducted by MDVIP and Ipsos.

02/01/2026

It’s no secret that the typical American diet is filled with sugar, but much of it is hiding in plain sight—right in our glasses. 🥤

Excessive added sugar consumption is linked to a wide range of health issues, and a recent study specifically connects sugary beverages to heart disease. 💔

Protecting your heart might be as simple as swapping out your sports drinks or juices. Here’s what you need to know. 💧

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/want-protect-your-heart-give-juices-sports-drinks

Over the last decade, sugar has practically become public health enemy number one. Studies have linked excessive added sugar consumption with a wide range of health problems including cavities, obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

01/25/2026

Everyone ages, but did you know you actually have two different ages? 🎂

While chronological age counts the years on the calendar, your biological age measures how your body is actually functioning—and one can occur much faster than the other.

The good news? You have more control over your biological age than you might think. Here’s how to understand the difference. 🧬🏃‍♂️

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/whats-your-biological-age

Everyone ages. It’s a process that none of us can avoid despite how well we care for ourselves. There are two basic types of aging – chronological and biological. And while you experience both, one type of aging can happen faster than the other.Chronological aging is what we think of when we thi...

01/18/2026

Cardiac arrest has been in the headlines recently, but there is still a lot of confusion about what it actually is—and how it differs from a heart attack. 🏥

It’s a critical distinction to make, especially since women are statistically more likely to die from cardiac arrest than men.

Knowing the signs and the risks is the first step toward prevention. Read our overview to stay informed. 🩺❤️

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/sudden-cardiac-arrest-its-more-common-men-women-have-lower-survival-rates

What are the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack. Find out more and learn why it's more common in men, yet women also see lower survival rates

01/06/2026

🥳 It's 2026🥳 Almost half of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions, yet only a small percentage actually achieve them.

In fact, about 80 percent of resolutions fall by the wayside by February🗓️

Most people blame their lack of willpower. If you need help hitting your goals, try these five tips. ✔️🎯

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/5-tips-help-you-achieve-your-new-years-resolutions

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By February 1st, 80% of people who make New Year’s resolutions have given up. Learn why & get tips on how to achieve your New Year’s Resolutions in 2019.

12/31/2025

🥂 It’s New Year’s Eve 🥂 Some of you will probably spend a nice, quiet evening at home, while others will paint the town. But many of you will probably have a drink or two to help ring in the new year. 🍾

At the risk of sounding like a wet blanket, if you’re going to drink, make sure you’re doing so safely and understand how much you’re really drinking. 🕛

And remember: Never drink and drive! 🚗🚫

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/how-much-alcohol-are-you-really-drinking

Many people are unaware of the health effects of alcohol on the body. Educate yourself on how much alcohol you are really drinking and one drink consists of.

12/25/2025

🎄 ! 🎄 Do you eat special dishes on Christmas? If yes, which ones are your favorites?

I find that mainstream holiday fare — high-fat foods, alcohol, and desserts – can often trigger heartburn with some of my patients. 🔥

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent heartburn. Here’s what you need to know. 🍲🥂

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/5-tips-help-prevent-holiday-heartburn