Aortic Valve Disorder, Knowing the Different Versions Can Affect Your Life Insurance Approval Rate
What is Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis or Aortic Valve Disorder is a contraction of the opening of the aortic valve. The impairment may be acquired or present at birth. Acquired AS is usually caused by rheumatic fever or a valve calcification. An individual with congenital aortic valve disease may be born with stenosis already or may be born with a bicuspid aortic which includes two valve cusp rather than the normal three that can become stenotic over time. Aortic stenosis produces a low-pitched, systolic ejection murmur. The murmur is commonly transmitted to the carotid arteries.
This is not to be confused with aortic sclerosis which is primarily a disorder found in the elderly population. A diagnosis of aortic sclerosis with no evidence of aortic stenosis is typically not rated.
Aortic insufficiency is the failure of the aortic valve to close properly and allow blood to flow in reverse into the left ventricle. the symptoms are similar to Stenosis and the underwriting outcome is also similarly rated.
How Do Underwriters Determine if I can Qualify for Life Insurance With Aortic Valve Disorders
The principle symptoms of Stenosis are shortness of breath, chest pain, and congestive heart failure. Often this valve disorder does not cause symptoms until the disease is fairly advanced, making individuals who have yet to be operated on for this impairment uninsurable. For underwriting purposes the underwriters usually measure the impairment by the diameter of the valve opening from Mild, Moderate to Severe.
Questions or requirements to determine insurability:
What type of Aortic Valve disorder diagnosis? Stenosis, Sclerosis or Insufficiency
What are the symptoms? Chest pain, Palpitations, trouble breathing, Dizziness
Other Heart History
Date of last Electrocardiogram?
Current medications for Diagnosis?
Currently Smoke?
Are there any other health issues?
What Can You do to Assist in a Obtaining Approved for Life Insurance With Sleep Apnea
Have good records from physician done and comply with the treatment prescribed.
Provide complete details to the agent and on the application including when and where last treatment. Underwriting will be heavily based Age of applicant, time since diagnosis, and the level of severity of the valve closure and time since operation and or symptoms.
The Life Insurance exam process:
Normal age and face amount requirements.
Carrier will order an Attending Physician Statement from the physician for history
What underwriting offer can I expect for Sleep Apnea?
If the valve closure is minimal mild, anywhere from Not rated to Table D, Moderate up to a table E and severe from table E to a decline. Obviously the older the potential insured is after treatment or surgery to correct the problem with little or no symptoms the more likely you will obtain favorable ratings. Applicants under age 15 are likely to be declined or recommend postponement until more information is available for underwriting purposes.
