Below Deck Star, 33, Suffers Heart Attack from Vape Poisoning
Reality TV star's heart attack caused by vaping

Reality television personality Fraser Olender has issued a stark health warning after a vaping-related heart attack saw him rushed to a London hospital. The 33-year-old star of Bravo's Below Deck revealed he suffered an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) triggered by what doctors identified as E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).

Emergency Hospitalisation and Diagnosis

The medical emergency occurred several weeks ago, when Olender was struck by severe chest pains and acute breathing difficulties. He was immediately taken to hospital where he remained for a week undergoing treatment. Medical professionals concluded that chemicals in his vape caused a coronary artery vasospasm, severely restricting blood flow to his heart muscle and resulting in the major cardiac event.

Olender described the pain as beyond anything he had ever experienced, necessitating the strongest legally permissible pain relief available in the Accident and Emergency department. He has been unequivocal about the severity of the incident, stating plainly that he could have died as a result of the vape poisoning.

A Life-Saving Decision and Public Warning

In the wake of this traumatic event, the television star has made a significant lifestyle change. He has completely stopped using e-cigarettes and is now sharing his harrowing experience publicly. His motive is clear: to alert others, particularly young adults, to the potential severe dangers associated with vaping, which is often mistakenly perceived as a harmless alternative to traditional cigarettes.

Olender's case highlights the specific condition known as EVALI, which has been documented by health authorities but remains a risk that many users are unaware of. By detailing his diagnosis of a vasospasm leading to a STEMI heart attack, he provides a concrete, medical example of the harm vaping devices can inflict.

The Broader Implications for Vape Users

This incident serves as a powerful real-life cautionary tale. It underscores that e-cigarettes are not risk-free and can lead to sudden, life-threatening health crises even in relatively young individuals. Olender's message is a direct plea for people to reconsider their use of vaping products and to quit in order to protect their long-term health.

The reality star's ordeal, which began with his hospitalisation in early December 2025, continues to resonate as he recovers. His story adds to growing medical concern about the long-term impacts of vaping and the chemicals involved, moving the conversation beyond addiction to the immediate threat of acute poisoning and cardiac injury.