12/17/2025
From our friends at Twelve Leaves...
đ§Ź Long COVID & Microclots: Whatâs Really Going On?
Many people with long-haul COVID continue to experience fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, and exercise intolerance months after infection. One emerging area of research points to persistent microclots in the blood as a key driver of these ongoing symptoms.
𩸠What are microclots?
Microclots are tiny, abnormal blood clots that are resistant to normal breakdown. In long COVID, these clots are often rich in inflammatory proteins such as fibrin and amyloid-like material, which makes them unusually dense and sticky. Unlike normal clots that dissolve after healing, these microclots can persist and circulate.
âď¸ The mechanism behind microclots in long COVID
SARS-CoV-2 can trigger endothelial dysfunctionâdamage to the lining of blood vesselsâalong with ongoing immune activation. This leads to:
⢠Increased clotting signals
⢠Reduced fibrinolysis (the bodyâs ability to break down clots)
⢠Trapping of inflammatory molecules inside microclots
As a result, these microclots can block tiny capillaries, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
đ§ Why symptoms persist
When tissues donât receive enough oxygen, the body shifts into an energy-deficient state. This may explain hallmark long COVID symptoms such as:
⢠Profound fatigue
⢠Brain fog and cognitive issues
⢠Muscle pain and weakness
⢠Shortness of breath
đŹ Why this matters
Understanding microclots helps explain why long COVID is not âjust in someoneâs head.â It is a biological, measurable condition with vascular and inflammatory roots. Ongoing research is exploring targeted therapies aimed at improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and supporting clot breakdown.
⨠As understanding continues to evolve, awareness is key. Long COVID is realâand so is the need for compassionate, evidence-informed care.
Do you think you have been affected or microclotting could be at play in your life?
Call us today, we can help!
478-357-5532
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/str.55.suppl_1.WP326