The Impact of COVID-19 on Blood Pressure and Kidney Health: Understanding the Role of Spike Proteins

COVID-19 infection and vaccine-derived spike proteins can bind to ACE2 receptors, reducing its ability to convert Angiotensin 2 to Angiotensin 1.7. This leads to vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure, especially in people with pre-existing hypertension. Extremely high blood pressure can stress and damage the kidneys. Prolonged elevation increases the risk of kidney failure and dialysis. Understanding this mechanism emphasizes the importance of monitoring cardiovascular and renal health during COVID-19 exposure or vaccination. Tags: #COVID19 #SpikeProtein #HighBloodPressure #Hypertension #KidneyDamage #Dialysis #ACE2 #AngiotensinII #Angiotensin1_7 #CardiovascularHealth #RenalHealth #VaccineSafety #COVIDComplications

Glenn Rosaroso Vale, MT(AMT), MS(IT), MBA

8/30/20251 min read

How COVID-19 Infection and Vaccine Spike Proteins Can Elevate Blood Pressure and Harm Your Kidneys

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions worldwide, not only through respiratory illness but also by impacting cardiovascular and renal systems. Emerging evidence and mechanistic insights suggest that both SARS-CoV-2 infection and spike proteins from COVID vaccines can increase blood pressure, potentially causing severe kidney damage in vulnerable individuals.

Mechanism of Action

At the center of this process is the ACE2 receptor, a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure. Normally, ACE2 converts Angiotensin II—a potent vasoconstrictor—into Angiotensin 1-7, a molecule that promotes vasodilation and protects organs, including the kidneys.

Both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the spike proteins produced by mRNA vaccines can bind to ACE2 receptors. This binding reduces ACE2 activity, preventing the conversion of Angiotensin II to Angiotensin 1-7. The result is elevated levels of Angiotensin II, which causes vasoconstriction, raises blood pressure, and increases stress on the vascular system and kidneys.

Why This Is Dangerous

For individuals with pre-existing hypertension (e.g., 160/90 mmHg), the spike protein-induced disruption of ACE2 can lead to extremely high blood pressure spikes, sometimes as severe as 225/110 mmHg. Prolonged elevation in blood pressure can damage the delicate structures of the kidneys, reducing filtration capacity and, in severe cases, pushing patients toward end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis.

The Bigger Picture

While COVID infection itself can trigger this mechanism through viral spike proteins, similar concerns have been raised regarding vaccine-derived spike proteins, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular or renal conditions. Monitoring blood pressure and kidney function during and after infection or vaccination is essential, particularly for high-risk populations.

Conclusion

The spike protein—whether from the virus or vaccines—interferes with ACE2’s protective role, tipping the balance toward Angiotensin II dominance, vasoconstriction, high blood pressure, and potential kidney damage. Awareness of this mechanism is vital for early intervention, blood pressure management, and kidney protection during the pandemic.