A Below Deck star has shared his worrying experience after being hospitalised with 'vape poisoning'.
Most people understand the damaging health effects cigarettes can cause, which have led millions worldwide to attempt quitting for good. As such, many smokers have turned to e-cigarettes, hoping to kick the habit.
But science is gradually revealing the harmful outcomes associated with vaping, including pneumonia, bronchitis, reduced sperm counts, dizziness, and one simulation illustrating the effect vaping can have on brain development.
The vape market is still huge, and it's coming to light that many illegitimate and black market vapes have been linked to containing additional chemicals and poisons that are harmful to the body.
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Now, a celebrity has shared his frightening experience.
Below Deck star Fraser Olender revealed he suffered a heart attack caused by 'vape poisoning.' The 33-year-old reality star took to Instagram on Friday (5 December) to share his health update and warn others who regularly vape, posting a carousel of hospital photos.
"This is not chic but very important for me to share," Olender shared. "A few weeks ago I was rushed to hospital due to severe chest pains and difficulties breathing. Following this, I spent a week in London hospitals seeing specialists to identify the cause and possible damage of the incident.
"To keep it simple - I had vape poisoning, (an E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)) and I have never experienced fear or pain like it."
According to the Cleveland Clinic, EVALI is 'a serious inflammatory condition that damages your lungs.' However, healthcare experts aren’t sure which components of e-liquids directly cause inflammation.
Olender explained that 'whatever' was in his vape triggered him a 'coronary artery vasospasm, meaning the arteries supplying blood to his heart 'suddenly clamped down.'
He added: "That spasm reduced blood flow enough to cause an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), better known as a heart attack - not because of a blockage, but because my heart wasn’t getting enough oxygen during the spasm."
In light of his experience, he advised others, writing: "I’m grateful to still be recovering now, and I’m sharing this because I never realised something like this could happen. If this experience can help even one person rethink vaping, it’s worth telling."
The TV personality added that he 'hasn’t touched a vape since this happened and never will,' adding: "The pain I endured for 24 hours was inexplicable."
He continued: "I could have died for the sake of something so ridiculously stupid, so please do yourselves a favour and give it up too - cold turkey.
"We do not know enough about these horrific things but I can tell you one thing; that was NOT cute, not even for the plot."
Three weeks later, Olender shared a positive update: 'it’s been nearly 3 weeks off the vape,' and commented that his skin has 'never been better, brighter and clearer.'
People have been leaving their best wishes for Olender in the post's comments.
"I’ve been wanting to stop vaping so bad lately and this post just made it happen. Vape in the bin. Glad you’re ok Frazier!!" one user commented.
Another replied: "My daughter vapes, i just sent this to her, praying she will stop. Im glad you are on the mend!"