Fibrinogen: The Overlooked Blood Marker That Predicts Heart Attacks Better Than Cholesterol episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 3, 2026 · 17 MIN

Fibrinogen: The Overlooked Blood Marker That Predicts Heart Attacks Better Than Cholesterol

from The Balancing Point Podcast · host John Nieters

Learn why fibrinogen—not cholesterol—may be the strongest predictor of heart attack and stroke risk, and how to test and lower it naturally.In this episode of The Balancing Point, I break down why fibrinogen is one of the most overlooked yet powerful predictors of heart attack and stroke risk. While cholesterol is routinely tested, fibrinogen often isn’t—despite research showing it may increase cardiovascular risk far more dramatically. I explain how fibrinogen works in clot formation, why elevated levels make blood “sticky,” how to interpret optimal ranges, and what practical steps can help lower risk naturally through diet, supplements, and acupuncture.John is nationally and internationally known for treating chronic and degenerative health conditions known as “knotty” diseases in Chinese Medicine. He has also written the definitive book, “The Sweet Spot: Increase Longevity Through Innovative Understanding of Blood Chemistry Labs,” on advanced functional medicine laboratory analysis.John has completed extensive post-graduate training. He is a Diplomate of the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics. Additionally, he completed certifications in Gynecology and Internal Medicine at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in China. Dr Nieters was in the first group of American acupuncturists to be certified in Integrated Diabetes Prevention and Treatment at the Xin Hua Hospital, China.Dr. Nieters has taught international courses in Integrative Cardiology. As a teacher of herbal medicine, he has developed mastery in creating custom herbal formulas.Inspired by the level of integration offered to patients in Chinese hospitals, John strives to provide integrative health care to his patients within the scope of his practice.Dr. John NietersWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alamedaacupuncture.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ58GpkcQHnSe4XaYmBTRJw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alameda.acupuncture/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/AlamedaAcupuncture/⁠Produced by DrTalks: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast/

Learn why fibrinogen—not cholesterol—may be the strongest predictor of heart attack and stroke risk, and how to test and lower it naturally.In this episode of The Balancing Point, I break down why fibrinogen is one of the most overlooked yet powerful predictors of heart attack and stroke risk. While cholesterol is routinely tested, fibrinogen often isn’t—despite research showing it may increase cardiovascular risk far more dramatically. I explain how fibrinogen works in clot formation, why elevated levels make blood “sticky,” how to interpret optimal ranges, and what practical steps can help lower risk naturally through diet, supplements, and acupuncture.John is nationally and internationally known for treating chronic and degenerative health conditions known as “knotty” diseases in Chinese Medicine. He has also written the definitive book, “The Sweet Spot: Increase Longevity Through Innovative Understanding of Blood Chemistry Labs,” on advanced functional medicine laboratory analysis.John has completed extensive post-graduate training. He is a Diplomate of the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics. Additionally, he completed certifications in Gynecology and Internal Medicine at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in China. Dr Nieters was in the first group of American acupuncturists to be certified in Integrated Diabetes Prevention and Treatment at the Xin Hua Hospital, China.Dr. Nieters has taught international courses in Integrative Cardiology. As a teacher of herbal medicine, he has developed mastery in creating custom herbal formulas.Inspired by the level of integration offered to patients in Chinese hospitals, John strives to provide integrative health care to his patients within the scope of his practice.Dr. John NietersWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alamedaacupuncture.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ58GpkcQHnSe4XaYmBTRJw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alameda.acupuncture/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/AlamedaAcupuncture/⁠Produced by DrTalks: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast/

NOW PLAYING

Fibrinogen: The Overlooked Blood Marker That Predicts Heart Attacks Better Than Cholesterol

0:00 17:48

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Balancing Point Podcast?

This episode is 17 minutes long.

When was this The Balancing Point Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on February 3, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Learn why fibrinogen—not cholesterol—may be the strongest predictor of heart attack and stroke risk, and how to test and lower it naturally.In this episode of The Balancing Point, I break down why fibrinogen is one of the most overlooked yet...

Can I download this The Balancing Point Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!