URGENT UPDATE: Fraser Olender, star of Bravo’s “Below Deck,” has revealed that he suffered a heart attack and severe lung injury linked to vaping. The 33-year-old reality television personality shared his alarming health crisis on Instagram, urging others to quit vaping immediately.
In a post on October 13, 2023, Olender detailed his hospitalization in London due to intense chest pains and breathing difficulties. After spending a week with specialists, he was diagnosed with E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury, also known as EVALI. “I have never experienced fear or pain like it,” he stated, highlighting the life-threatening nature of the condition.
The diagnosis triggered a coronary artery vasospasm, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart suddenly constrict. This spasm led to what doctors term an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a critical type of heart attack that occurs not due to a blockage, but from insufficient oxygen reaching the heart. Olender described the agony he felt as “so severe that two rounds of morphine provided no relief,” necessitating the strongest legal pain medication available in the emergency room.
The American Lung Association classifies EVALI as a potentially fatal respiratory illness, underscoring the seriousness of Olender’s situation. Now in recovery, he feels compelled to share his experience in hopes of preventing others from facing a similar fate. “If this experience can help even one person rethink vaping, it’s worth telling,” he declared. “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.”
Olender’s warning comes at a crucial time as public health officials continue to raise alarms about the dangers of vaping, particularly among young adults. His story serves as a stark reminder of the potential health risks associated with this habit.
As news of Olender’s experience spreads, it serves as an urgent call to action for those who vape. The reality star’s candid revelation may resonate with many, prompting discussions around the serious health implications of vaping.
Experts encourage individuals to seek help if they are struggling to quit vaping, emphasizing that support is available. The impact of Olender’s story could lead to vital changes in the habits of many, potentially saving lives.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the ongoing conversation surrounding vaping and its health risks.
