Atrial
Fibrillation and Its Impact on Life Insurance Prices
Is
your recent diagnosis or history of atrial fibrillation affecting
your ability to get a good rate for life Insurance? This
article helps understand atrial fibrillation and obtaining
life insurance quotes with help of our specialists.
 Over
2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation which
is an erratic heart beat resulting in a highly irregular
pulse. Sometimes referred to as atrial flutter, it
is one of the most common heart rhythm abnormalities
affecting 5% of all individuals over age 70. A diagnosis
of atrial fibrillation is likely to have an impact
on your life insurance rates but in most cases the
effect is mild. The most important factor affecting
rates is the level of control of the irregularity of
your heart rhythm. The information below will provide
you with an overview of atrial fibrillation, its impact
on life insurance rates and some helpful tips on ways
to improve your chances of getting the best priced
life insurance policy.
Understanding
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
The normal pumping of the heart works on
natural electrical impulses which begin in its two upper
chambers called the atria. Atrial fibrillation occurs when
these upper chambers quiver and contract rapidly in an uncoordinated
way. When this occurs, the heart cannot pump blood efficiently
which can have significant effects on blood pressure and
the efficient movement of oxygen throughout your body sometimes
resulting in strokes. Some causes of atrial fibrillation
include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart
valve disease, chronic lung disease, heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
There are four basic classifications of
atrial fibrillation: paroxysmal, persistent, permanent and
lone. The specific diagnosis will be the chief factor in
determining your actual rate for life insurance.
Paroxysmal (intermittent) Atrial
Fibrillation. The episodes of AF generally
last less than 7 days (usually less than 24 hours)
and may be recurrent, which is defined as two or more
episodes.
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. The
AF is consistent and not responsive unless treatment is
performed such as medications or cardioversion. A cardioversion
is a medical procedure that attempts to bring the heart
back into its normal rhythm.
Permanent Atrial Fibrillation. The
AF/arrhythmia lasts for more than one year and cardioversion
has failed. Permanent AF is also referred to as chronic
AF.
"
Lone" Atrial Fibrillation. Can be paroxysmal,
persistent, or permanent AF occurring in individuals without
heart or lung disease who have a low risk for blood clots
resulting in strokes or mortality. Lone AF is also known
as low-risk AF.
Statistics
on Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial
fibrillation isn't life-threatening, but it can
lead to other health problems such as heart disease
or stroke.
- According
to the American Heart Association, your chances
of having a stroke are five times higher if you
have AF and about 15–20 percent of all strokes
occur in people with AF.
- Studies
suggest that diagnosis of AF increases significantly
with age especially past age 70 with roughly 1
in 10 having AF beyond the age of 80.
- Caucasian
men are more likely to be diagnosed with AF than
any other demographic.
- It
is projected that by the year 2025, more than 3
million Americans will have atrial fibrillation.
Risk
factors for Atrial Fibrillation
While most atrial fibrillation cases are
stable and not significant threats to mortality, life insurance
companies will look closely at the conditions surrounding
each case. Below are some of the more important risk factors
for those with AF.
- Age,
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure),
- Congestive Heart Failure,
- Diabetes,
- Previous Heart Attacks,
- Past Heart Surgeries,
- History of Strokes,
- Excessive Alcohol Use, and
- Obesity.
The
Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Life Insurance Rates
The main focus for life insurance companies
in evaluating the risk of Atrial Fibrillation is your level
of control. Obviously, the better controlled your AF, the
better your rate. Your “health class” for insurance
purposes will depend on the specific information in your
medical records including diagnostic tests such as EKG’s
with particular emphasis on physician’s notes. Additionally,
good compliant follow up with your medical professionals
is critical allowing the insurance companies to accurately
assess your risk and thereby giving you the best possible
rate.
Individuals with Paroxysmal AF with no known
heart disease can expect to qualify for a standard health
class with and outside chance at preferred rates. This assumes
that there is a single episode or only very few (2-3) AF
instances throughout the year. The presence of a normal echocardiogram
will help significantly in getting the standard rate.
If the number of AF episodes exceeds 10
per year then it is considered to be persistent or chronic
AF. In these cases, with no underlying heart disease, you
can expect to get a life insurance rate somewhere between
150% and 200% of the standard rate. If there is underlying
heart disease, you can expect a significant extra charge
and in most cases a decline of coverage.
Life insurance companies will decline someone
with permanent atrial fibrillation.
Treatment can sometimes help correct the
AF condition and insurance companies will consider any treatment
if it is successful. When atrial fibrillation is found, sometimes
medication or even electrical stimulation, known as cardioversion,
is used to get the heart rhythm back to normal. If successful,
and the condition is stable for a 6-12 month period, insurance
companies will consider for standard health rates.
For more information on AF and life insurance
underwriting see, important questions
for individuals with atrial fibrillation that are seeking
life insurance.
How
Can the Insurance Professionals at MEG Financial Help?
At MEG Financial, we have helped many individuals
with atrial fibrillation obtain fairly priced life insurance.
Many of these clients had attempted to buy life insurance
elsewhere but were either asked to pay a significantly higher
rate or in some cases declined for insurance. Our experience
helping others with health conditions such as atrial fibrillation
will also be helpful to you in finding an insurance company
that will treat you fairly.
For more specific information or to obtain
a custom quote, call MEG Financial today at (877) 583-3955.
You may also submit this short
form and an independent insurance agent will personally
contact you to go over any questions or other concerns.
 Related
Links for Atrial Fibrillation
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