UPDATE: Fraser Olender, star of Bravo’s “Below Deck,” has urgently revealed that his recent heart attack and severe lung injury are linked to his vaping habit. The 33-year-old reality television personality took to Instagram on Friday to share his harrowing medical experience, which he described as a life-threatening ordeal that could have cost him his life.
In a shocking revelation, Olender disclosed that he was hospitalized a few weeks ago in London after suffering from intense chest pains and breathing difficulties. Following a week of treatment by specialists, he was diagnosed with E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury, known as EVALI. “I have never experienced fear or pain like it,” Olender wrote, underscoring the severity of his condition.
The diagnosis led to a coronary artery vasospasm, a dangerous condition where arteries that supply blood to the heart suddenly constrict. This spasm triggered a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a type of heart attack that occurs not due to a blockage, but because the heart is deprived of oxygen during the spasm. Olender explained, “That spasm reduced blood flow enough to cause an ST-elevation myocardial infarction—better known as a heart attack.”
The American Lung Association classifies EVALI as a potentially fatal respiratory illness. Olender described his pain as excruciating, stating that even two rounds of morphine provided no relief. He required the strongest legal pain medication in the emergency room to cope with the agony.
Now on the path to recovery, Olender feels an urgent responsibility to share his story. “If this experience can help even one person rethink vaping, it’s worth telling,” he emphasized. “I could have died for the sake of something so ridiculously stupid, so please do yourselves a favor and give it up too—cold turkey.”
As vaping continues to be a trending topic among young adults, Olender’s warning resonates deeply. His plea for others to quit vaping comes at a time when public health officials are increasingly concerned about the long-term effects of e-cigarettes. Authorities are urging individuals, especially young users, to stay informed and reconsider their vaping habits in light of such alarming health risks.
This developing story serves as a critical reminder of the hidden dangers associated with vaping. With the potential for serious health consequences, including heart disease and lung injury, it is imperative for individuals to prioritize their well-being and seek healthier alternatives.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent health issue and the impact of vaping on public health.
