Spike Proteins and Cardiovascular Risk: Understanding Their Impact on Heart Health

Presented by Immanence Health

Written by Dr. Christine Schaffner

The Role of Spike Proteins in Cardiovascular Risk

With the recent emergence of COVID-19 and the widespread concern over the effects of the virus, much attention has been paid to the spike proteins associated with SARS-CoV-2. These spike proteins, which facilitate viral entry into host cells, have been implicated in vascular and endothelial damage, raising concerns about their role in cardiovascular events.

1. Spike Protein Impact on the Vagus Nerve, Nicotinic Receptors, and the Heart

• What It Is: The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been found to interact with various receptors, including ACE2 and nicotinic receptors. The vagus nerve, a key player in the autonomic nervous system, regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammatory responses, and is influenced by these receptors.
• Why It Matters: The spike protein’s effect on nicotinic receptors can disrupt normal vagus nerve activity, which is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular stability. Disturbances in vagal tone due to spike protein interaction can lead to heart rate irregularities, dysautonomia (imbalance in autonomic nervous function), and increased cardiovascular strain.
• Impact on the Heart: Reduced vagus nerve activity can lead to increased heart rate, decreased heart rate variability, and higher cardiovascular stress. These changes elevate the risk for arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac events due to diminished regulation of the heart’s response to stress.

2. Spike Protein Impact on Mast Cells and the Heart

• What It Is: Mast cells are immune cells that play a crucial role in inflammatory responses by releasing histamines and other inflammatory mediators. Spike proteins can activate mast cells through interaction with ACE2 receptors, leading to widespread inflammation.
• Why It Matters: When activated, mast cells release a cascade of inflammatory molecules that can increase vascular permeability, trigger clot formation, and damage surrounding tissues. This inflammation can increase cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals predisposed to hyperinflammatory responses.
• Impact on the Heart: Chronic mast cell activation contributes to vascular inflammation and can increase the likelihood of clotting events. This hyper-inflammatory state puts added stress on the heart, raising the risk of myocarditis (heart inflammation), pericarditis (inflammation around the heart), and potential cardiovascular complications.

3. Spike Protein Impact on Mitochondria and the Heart

• What It Is: Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles in cells, essential for heart function due to the heart's high demand for energy. Spike proteins can induce mitochondrial dysfunction by generating oxidative stress and impairing cellular energy production.
• Why It Matters: Mitochondrial damage from oxidative stress and inflammation can decrease ATP (energy) production, affecting the heart’s ability to pump efficiently. Mitochondrial dysfunction also increases the vulnerability of heart cells to stress and injury.
• Impact on the Heart: Reduced mitochondrial function can weaken heart muscle, contributing to conditions such as heart failure, ischemia, and reduced cardiac output. This energy deficit can also exacerbate fatigue and reduce resilience against cardiovascular stress, particularly in post-viral fatigue and long COVID cases.

Additional Cardiovascular Impacts from Spike Proteins

Endothelial Dysfunction

• What It Is: Spike proteins bind to ACE2 receptors on endothelial cells, disrupting the endothelium’s ability to regulate blood flow and inflammation.
• Impact on the Heart: Endothelial damage can lead to microthrombi formation, reducing blood flow and increasing cardiovascular risks, including stroke and heart attack.

Nitric Oxide (NO) Reduction

• What It Is: Damage to endothelial cells from spike proteins can reduce nitric oxide production, leading to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.
• Impact on the Heart: Impaired nitric oxide availability decreases blood flow, increases clotting risk, and puts additional stress on the cardiovascular system.

Clotting and Thrombosis

• What It Is: The spike protein can induce a hypercoagulable state, evident in elevated D-dimer and fibrinogen levels.
• Impact on the Heart: Abnormal clot formation can lead to ischemia, tissue damage, and an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes.

The interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins with the cardiovascular system presents significant concerns, particularly in their effects on the vagus nerve, mast cells, mitochondria, and endothelial function. These mechanisms contribute to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, clot formation, and autonomic dysfunction, all of which elevate the risk of arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.

As research continues to uncover the long-term effects of spike proteins on heart health, it is crucial to prioritize mitochondrial support, inflammation management, and vascular health. Proactive interventions, including lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation, and medical therapies, may help mitigate these risks and support overall cardiovascular resilience.



About Dr. Christine Schaffner

Dr. Christine Schaffner is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor who has helped thousands of people recover from chronic or complex illnesses. Through online summits, her Spectrum of Health podcast, a network of Immanence Health clinics, and renowned online programs, Dr. Schaffner goes beyond biological medicine, pulling from all systems of medicine and healing modalities--helping patients reclaim their wellness and reveal their brightest light.

To learn more about working with  Dr. Christine Schaffner,   in person or virtually (US and Worldwide), set up a free discovery call with our team.

Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions.