Microclots have become one of the most fascinating – and alarming – threads emerging from COVID-19 research. Scientists like Dr. Resia Pretorius have found that the spike protein itself, whether introduced via infection or vaccination, can linger in the bloodstream, triggering the formation of amyloid fibrin clots that resist normal breakdown.
These microclots may choke off oxygen flow and trap inflammatory molecules, harming organs – brain, eyes, kidneys and others.
These tiny, yet powerful clots can cause widespread issues throughout the body, especially for individuals with underlying vascular health conditions like chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), lymphedema, or autoimmune disorders like MCAS.
Microclots Are Persistent
Microclots, often invisible to conventional diagnostic tests, are tiny clumps of fibrin-rich protein and platelets. They can block capillaries and small blood vessels, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. This impairment causes a range of symptoms from fatigue to neurological issues, and even contributes to conditions like CVI, CHF, and POTS.
The most alarming aspect of microclots is their persistence. Unlike typical blood clots that the body breaks down naturally, microclots often resist fibrinolysis. This leads to long-term circulation issues, contributing to conditions such as brain fog, memory lapses, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness.
Research Insights
Studies show persistent spike protein presence even months after infection. This raises questions about why some people develop long COVID symptoms, while others recover quickly. It also opens conversations around vaccine-related endothelial injury, though research remains limited and nuanced.
Dr. Resia Pretorius, a South African hematologist, and colleagues found that microclots caused by the spike protein are not only persistent but also impede the function of the endothelium—the lining of blood vessels that regulates blood flow. This damage can lead to chronic inflammation and further clotting, contributing to chronic fatigue syndrome, CVI, and cardiovascular disease.
Therapeutically, researchers are exploring enzymes like nattokinase and polyphenols like quercetin to reduce clot burden, but clinical trials are lacking. What’s clear is that microclots tie infection and vaccination into a common vascular story, one demanding urgent scientific attention.
The presence of microclots may explain why so many patients with post-viral illness experience multi-system symptoms, despite normal conventional test results.
Pretorius E, et al. Persistent clotting protein pathology in Long COVID/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2023.
Key Symptoms Associated with Microclots
- Fatigue & Brain Fog
- Common in: CVI, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Fatigue from microclots is often described as unrelenting and disproportionate to activity levels. It can feel like no matter how much rest you get, you never quite recharge. Brain fog, a related symptom, manifests as a persistent difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental exhaustion. This occurs because microclots impair blood flow to the brain, preventing adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells. In chronic conditions like CVI, poor perfusion worsens this effect, leaving patients struggling to stay focused even on simple tasks.
- Shortness of Breath
- Seen in: CHF, pulmonary hypertension, long COVID, and POTS. Microclots can block the smallest vessels in the lungs, reducing oxygenation and contributing to feelings of breathlessness. In conditions like CHF (congestive heart failure), where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, microclots worsen circulation problems and exacerbate shortness of breath. Similarly, pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) and long COVID patients often experience breathlessness, even when at rest or with minimal exertion. The POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) condition, linked to autonomic dysfunction, also causes tachypnea (rapid breathing) and breathlessness as a result of microvascular damage and poor circulation.
- Visual Disturbances
- Often reported in: Retinal diseases, microvascular occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and long COVID-related eye issues. Microclots can accumulate in the tiny blood vessels of the eyes, impairing blood flow to the retina. This can result in visual disturbances like blurry vision, flashes of light, and the sensation of eye sparkles. Over time, microclots can lead to more serious issues such as retinal tears or even permanent vision loss if not managed. This is especially concerning for individuals with preexisting conditions like diabetic retinopathy, where microvascular occlusion already impairs circulation in the eyes. People with long COVID have also reported persistent visual disturbances as a long-term symptom, which is believed to be linked to the same microclotting mechanism affecting their overall circulation.
- Tachycardia (Rapid Heart Rate)
- Frequently observed in: MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), POTS, anxiety disorders, and long COVID. Tachycardia refers to an abnormally high heart rate, often experienced in POTS when blood flow to the heart is disrupted due to poor perfusion. In MCAS, an allergic-type reaction occurs in which mast cells release mediators that can cause blood vessels to constrict and increase heart rate. This is exacerbated when microclots reduce blood flow to the organs and tissues, making the heart work harder to pump blood. Similarly, anxiety disorders may trigger tachycardia, but when compounded by microclots, it becomes harder to manage. Microclots can also trigger a vagal response, causing palpitations and a feeling of an elevated heart rate even at rest. These rapid heart rates can be accompanied by dizziness and fainting.
Supportive Considerations
- Hydration & Electrolytes: Proper hydration supports blood viscosity management and helps prevent sluggish flow.
- Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporate antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and flavonoids to support endothelial repair.
- Gentle Movement: Walking, yoga, and vibration platforms can help stimulate microcirculation and lymphatic drainage.
References
- Pretorius E, et al. Persistent clotting protein pathology in Long COVID/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2023.
- Grobbelaar LM, et al. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 induces fibrin(ogen) resistant to fibrinolysis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021.
- Kell DB, et al. Proteins behaving badly: lessons from blood clotting. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A. 2022.
- Zamboni P, et al. The role of venous and lymphatic return from the brain in cognitive function and neurodegeneration. Neurochemical Research. 2020.
- CDC. VAERS Data Reports. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.