Printer FriendlyAortic Regurgitation
I Have Aortic Regurgitation. Now What?
Any problems relating to the heart will
be a significant factor when buying life insurance. It will
complicate the process, since the life insurance company will need to
obtain all your medical records, which simply takes time. It will
also cause an increase in the price of your life insurance. Aortic
regurgitation is generally evaluated based on a couple of factors
including your age, the severity of your condition, and the
underlying causes. The rating you receive will simply depend on the
severity of your problem. The best scenario, one that usually
receives favorable ratings, is if you were born with the condition
and if your condition is unlikely to accelerate rapidly.
Aortic
Regurgitation's Effect on Insurance Rates
The first table below indicates how
aortic regurgitation is classified. The second table shows how those
classifications are usually rated.
|
Classification |
|||
|
|
Weak |
Moderate |
Serious |
|
Individual Reports Symptoms |
None |
Often none; potentially edema |
Some (possible breathing difficulty, light headedness, etc) |
|
Electrocardiogram Results |
Possible high voltage; minor T-waves |
High voltage; minor through major T-waves |
High voltage; minor through major T-waves; ST depressions |
|
Enlargement of the Heart |
0 - 15% larger |
15% - 25% larger |
26% or greater |
|
Echo Doppler |
Weak |
Moderate |
Serious |
|
Electrocardiogram depicts left ventricular end systolic size as being: |
Regular |
Smaller than 55mm |
Greater than 55mm |
|
Electrocardiogram shows left ventricular wall thickness as being: |
Regular |
Regular |
Regular or Larger |
|
Electrocardiogram shows left ventricular function as being: |
Regular |
Regular |
Reduced |
|
Electrocardiogram shows left ventricular ejection fraction as being: |
Increased |
Increased |
Less than 50% |
|
Expected Ratings |
|||
|
Age |
Weak |
Moderate |
Serious |
|
0 to 19 |
Tables 4 to 8 |
Tables 8 to 16 |
Decline |
|
20 to 39 |
Tables 2 to 6 |
Tables 6 to 12 |
Decline |
|
40 to 59 |
Tables 2 to 4 |
Tables 4 to 8 |
High Ratings to Decline |
|
60 and above |
Standard to Table 4 |
Tables 2 to 6 |
High Ratings to Decline |
More Information on
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic regurgitation, sometimes called
aortic insufficiency, is a condition where blood leaking through an
abnormal aortic valve backflows into the left ventricle. This causes
the heart to work harder as it tries to compensate for the
insufficient blood flow. Over time, the left ventricle thickens
and/or the chambers of the ventricles dilate. Eventually this will
lead to heart failure with fluid build-up in the lungs. Aortic
regurgitation may be due to infection of the valve, rheumatic fever,
inflammation of the aorta, abnormalities present at birth, or a
number of other conditions.
Often individuals with this condition do not learn of the problem until they go through an exam where the physician is able to detect a heart murmur. Further diagnosis is required using advanced methodology such an electrocardiogram and/or echocardiogram. Typical symptoms may include blackouts, light headedness, breathlessness, and edema.
Important Things to
Know for Those with Aortic Regurgitation
What are some of the issues that interest underwriters?
-
When was the disorder diagnosed?
-
Are you currently on medication?
-
Do you suffer from symptoms such as breathlessness, blackouts, edema, or light headedness?
-
Was your valve replaced?
-
What were the results of the last echocardiogram? When did this echocardiogram occur?
What can I do to help the underwriting process?
Make sure you disclose all information regarding your aortic regurgitation, as well as the names and contact information of all the physicians who have helped treat you. Also make sure to include all test results. Feel free to include a letter explaining any other outstanding issues.
Complete the following form, or call us toll-free at 888-854-7526 if you would like to speak with someone or get more information.