True that: The trouble starts with the spike protein blocking angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The end result is reactive oxygen species (ROS) being unchecked and destroying everything, including the inner cells of the blood vessels, leading to blood clotting everywhere.
But the mechanism of spike proteins without a virus attached is different: After attaching to an ACE2 receptor, it gets split in two parts S1 and S2 (the same splitting is needed before the virus can enter the cell). Receptors don't live long, the cell draws the old ones in and creates new ones. When ACE2 with S1 attached enters the cell, S1 creates havoc.
https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/angiotensin/
What happens if I have too much angiotensin? Too much angiotensin II is a common problem resulting in excess fluid being retained by the body and, ultimately, raised blood pressure. This often occurs in heart failure where angiotensin is also thought to contribute to growth in the size of the heart. To combat these adverse effects, drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are used in the clinic, although these do have side effects and can lead to excessive retention of potassium (hyperkalaemia).
It's a whole system of different angiotensin types that have different tasks. The liver produces the precursor, then a chain of enzymes produce one angiotensin type after another, a balance maintained by many factors. When a virus mass consumes one of the enzymes, the whole system breaks.
Angiotensin 2 is the most reactive, and has the potential for most severe side effects.
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