Fraser Olender, a 33-year-old cast member of the popular reality TV show “Below Deck,” recently shared his harrowing experience of suffering a heart attack linked to vaping. Olender was rushed to a London hospital after experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors diagnosed him with a vaping-associated lung injury and a coronary artery vasospasm, a condition that restricts blood flow to the heart.
Olender’s story has gained significant attention due to his status as a public figure and the serious health implications associated with e-cigarette use. Medical specialists identified his condition as E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) and concluded that a spasm in a coronary artery had triggered a ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly known as a STEMI. Since the incident, Olender has quit vaping and is currently in recovery.
The reality TV star described his ordeal as sudden and overwhelming. He was admitted to the emergency department due to severe pain and breathing problems. Despite initial pain relief, his condition required escalated treatment. Olender spent approximately a week under observation as medical teams worked to determine the cause of his symptoms.
According to Olender, doctors informed him that substances from his vape had triggered the coronary artery vasospasm, restricting oxygen to his heart muscle long enough to cause a STEMI. He was also diagnosed with EVALI, a condition first recognized by health agencies in 2019. Olender was treated for intense chest pain and monitored for breathing issues while doctors ruled out a cholesterol blockage.
Olender, known to viewers as the franchise’s first male chief steward, credited his partner, Matt Rogers, for his support during the ordeal. His post, which included photos from his hospital stay and messages of gratitude to staff and friends, received thousands of responses from fans sharing their own experiences and well-wishes.
The incident comes as physicians continue to study the effects of vaping-related injuries on the lungs and heart. While heart attacks are often caused by blockages, spasms that interrupt blood flow can also trigger such events, especially when another condition limits oxygen. Olender’s case falls into the latter category, with a spasm-induced STEMI occurring without a classic obstruction.
Since the incident, Olender has quit vaping and resumed traveling while continuing his follow-up care. He did not disclose the name of the hospital or the specialists who treated him. His story underscores the ongoing scrutiny of vaping risks and the potential dangers of certain products or ingredients.
Olender’s colleagues from the show and fans have expressed their support online, with some sharing stories about relatives who had experienced similar health scares. In his messages, Olender expressed his gratitude and relief to be home, describing the experience as terrifying and life-changing.
Currently, Olender is focusing on his recovery and follow-up checkups after his hospitalization in London. He has not provided a date for his next on-camera appearance. Further updates may be shared as he returns to his routine travel and work commitments in the coming weeks.