Mitral Regurgitation

I was recently refused disability insurance because of an echocardiogram I had 5 years ago that showed "borderline" left atrial and ventricular hypertrophy and "trace" mitral regurgitation. At the time, the cardiologist told me that I had no other risk factors and that 20% of the male population has similar conditions. Just to be sure, I dropped 45 pounds and now run, cycle, row and lift weights six times a week. I'm 54 years old have 8% body fat, weigh 168 @ 5'9" and have a resting heart rate of 42bpm. My cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar are all ideal yet no insurance company will touch my disability insurance. What gives? Is this condition progressive?

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

Cicny,

Thanks for the post.

It's a shame when things like this happen. I would do a few things.

First,Discuss with your phsyician/cardiologist whether the ecg actually did show this. Often times, the computer over reads the ecg and sometimes the diagnosis is incorrect.

Second, if the rest of your workup had been unremarkable your physician may be able to submit supporting documents for you to your insurance company.

I generally do not make chronic diagnoses based on ecg's alone.


good luck

[Barbarella]

I'm confused!  Did you mean you were refused for "health" insurance?  Why would you ask for disability insurance when you are in such great condition as you posted?  What is your disability?

Or do people get disability insurance just in case some day they mightl have a disability?  I'm confused.

[Cincy2]

Sorry for the confusion. I was applying for supplemental disability insurance IN CASE something happens in the future. My current policy limit will not suffice in the event I can't work.

[Barbarella]

Thanks for the info and educating me :)

[Gaspipe]

Hi In general many if not most insurance companies that write disability policies have experienced such bad claim history many have gone out of the business of underwriting disability insurance period.. If you are a member of some professional or trade group see if they have a group policy. If not go to a higher end insurer and see if they will write you a policy. Yuo may be rated but at least you will have some coverage. The bottom line is that many underwriters look for any excuse not to write disability policies. Your doc who wrote up your history with such limited testing has in some sense branded you and trust me it is hard to shake the brand off. Good Luck .....Yours truly Gaspipe