“Below Deck Star, 33, Attributes Heart Attack to Vaping”

Fraser Olender, star of Below Deck, recently shared on Instagram that he suffered a heart attack due to “vape poisoning.” The 33-year-old reality TV personality spent a week in London hospitals after experiencing severe chest pains and difficulties breathing. Doctors diagnosed him with E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), a serious inflammatory condition that damages the lungs.

According to Olender, the vape he used caused a coronary artery vasospasm, reducing blood flow to his heart and leading to a heart attack. He described the pain as excruciating, requiring powerful pain relief in the emergency room. Olender emphasized the seriousness of the incident, urging others to quit vaping cold turkey to protect their health.

In a post on social media, he included photos from his hospital stay and a video of his boyfriend by his bedside, as well as a picture of himself looking healthy and recovered on a flight. Olender joined Below Deck in season nine and made history as the first male Chief Steward in season 10. The Bravo series follows the crew of a luxury yacht as they cater to demanding charter guests on high-pressure trips.

Olender’s message serves as a warning about the potential dangers of vaping and highlights the importance of prioritizing health and well-being. Below Deck is set to return to Bravo for its 13th season in 2026.