Below Deck star Fraser Olender has revealed that he suffered a heart attack brought on by what doctors identified as “vape poisoning”, after he was rushed to hospital with severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. The 33-year-old reality star shared the shocking update in an emotional Instagram post, alongside photos from his time in the hospital and his recovery.
Olender said he spent a week in London hospitals, undergoing tests to determine the cause of the attack. Doctors diagnosed him with E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), a serious inflammatory condition affecting the lungs.
“I had vape poisoning… and I have never experienced fear or pain like it,” he wrote.
A Heart Attack Triggered by Artery Spasm
Olender explained that chemicals inhaled through vaping caused a coronary artery vasospasm, which occurs when arteries that supply blood to the heart suddenly tighten. This led to an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) — a dangerous form of heart attack caused not by a blockage, but by oxygen deprivation during the spasm.
“Whatever was in my vape caused my arteries to clamp down… enough to cause a heart attack,” he said, calling the experience “terrifying and excruciating.”
He described 24 hours of intense pain, sharing that two rounds of morphine failed to provide relief, and doctors eventually administered the strongest legal pain medication.
“They only brought the pain from a 10 to a 7,” he wrote.
A Warning to Others About Vaping Risks
Olender said he is sharing his story to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping, particularly among young adults who may believe it is harmless.
“I could have died for the sake of something so ridiculously stupid,” he wrote. “If this can help one person rethink vaping, it’s worth telling.”
He emphasized that he has quit vaping permanently and urged followers to do the same “cold turkey.”
The Cleveland Clinic defines EVALI as an inflammatory condition that damages lung tissue. Health experts continue to research which chemicals trigger severe reactions.
Support From Loved Ones
Olender included a video of his partner, Matt Rogers, sitting by his hospital bed, calling the support “life-changing.” His final image showed him smiling on a flight home, giving a thumbs-up to fans who sent well-wishes.
The Bravo star joined Below Deck in Season 9 and made franchise history as the first male Chief Steward in Season 10. The hit series follows the crew of a luxury yacht as they navigate high-stress charters and interpersonal challenges. The show is scheduled to return to Bravo in 2026 for Season 13.
Olender ended his message encouraging fans to prioritize health over trends:
