URGENT UPDATE: Fraser Olender, the 33-year-old star of Bravo’s “Below Deck,” reveals he suffered a life-threatening heart attack and lung injury linked directly to vaping. In a shocking Instagram post on Friday, he shared his harrowing medical journey, urging others to quit the dangerous habit immediately.
Olender was hospitalized just weeks ago in London after experiencing severe chest pains and breathing difficulties. Following a week of intensive care and consultations with specialists, he was diagnosed with E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury, commonly referred to as EVALI.
In his emotional account, Olender describes the excruciating pain, stating, “I have never experienced fear or pain like it.” The diagnosis precipitated a serious cardiovascular event known as a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a type of heart attack caused not by a blockage, but by a sudden constriction of arteries supplying blood to the heart.
Olender explained, “That spasm reduced blood flow enough to cause an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), not because of a blockage, but because my heart wasn’t getting enough oxygen during the spasm.” The American Lung Association classifies EVALI as a potentially fatal respiratory illness, underscoring the serious implications of vaping.
The pain was reportedly so intense that even two rounds of morphine failed to alleviate it. He required the strongest legal pain medication available in the emergency room to manage his condition.
Now on the path to recovery, Olender feels a strong obligation to share his story, stating, “If this experience can help even one person rethink vaping, it’s worth telling.” He implores others to consider the risks, declaring, “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.”
This alarming revelation comes as public health officials continue to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and its associated health risks. As more individuals face the consequences of this habit, Olender’s story serves as a compelling reminder of the urgent need for change.
Stay tuned for more updates as health experts weigh in on the implications of EVALI and the rising concerns surrounding vaping.
