I recently had a CT coronary angiogram and had a letter from the consultant stating the following:
“This lady’s CT coronary angiogram has shown a mild to moderate stenosis in the mid-portion of her left anterior descending artery. She should be treated with aspirin and a statin for risk factor reduction, and if she remains asymptomatic then this requires no further attention at this time.”
I need to include all pre-existing conditions for travel insurance but I’m not sure where it fits in the heart disease options which can be declared.
Is my diagnosis aortic stenosis? I see the word “artery” and immediately think “aorta.” (I was taken aback to read that this condition is known as “the widow maker.” Fortunately I’m not married!)
My GP put me on Lipitor and a 75mg. aspirin. She said I’d probably had this for years. Both my parents had heart attacks although they died from other ailments.
Sorry to be longwinded but if I don’t have aortic stenosis and something less serious, I’d like to tell the insurance company as it may keep my premium lower than the £1,000 I’ve been quoted an annual worldwide policy.
Thanks for all responses.
Jane
What does Brightness around the heart on echocardiogram mean?
my story, still waiting diagnosis
Aortic Stenosis Awaiting TAVI procedure
What do the various troponin measures mean?
Anyone knows what this ECG means?
You will see the affected artery also referred to as the LAD. The diagnosis means that it is slight blocked but not enough to cause symptoms. Statins can reduce the chance of this increasing and aspirin reduce the chance of a clot causing a blockage - with a partial blockage you need a smaller clot for this to happen than a healthy artery. I have four arteries over 70% blocked with the LAD (~85%) being the worse and am awaiting a bypass. With your medication and lifestyle changes if necessary (healthy low fat diet, exercise within your personal capabilities, no smoking) you could well avoid progressing to the stents/bypass stage. Nothing is guaranteed as my issue is genetic!
This is classified a heart disease but if your premium is too hefty look elsewhere. If you are past the first flush of youth try Staysure.
Thank you, Michael. Is LAD considered aortic stenosis? I looked up LAD on the Internet and it sounds rather frightening.
My condition is genetic also so there’s not much we can do about that other than trying to live a healthy lifestyle.
I ended up taking out health insurance through my Nationwide account. It comes with several benefits, like mobile phone insurance and roadside assistance. It also “free” travel insurance, meaning that account holders are automatically covered but without pre-existing conditions. However, to add on my pre-existing conditions cost me £216 for annual multi-trip worldwide insurance inc. USA.
The agent assured me that the premium is correct, and our call was recorded so there is proof of what he told me.
Hoping for the best for you.
Jane
Sorry to butt in on your conversation: I have a Nationwide Flex bank account and was pleased to read this. Many thanks! 😁
Me too but they flatly refused to cover any heart related issues after my heart attack!
I’m sorry to hear that, Nathan. Have you tried Staysure? It will be expensive but better than risking going away without insurance.
I’ve read posts in other threads about heart patients getting health insurance through the Women’s Institute! I haven’t researched it myself but it’s worth a look. I doubt the W.I. would stop a man from joining but you could always ask a female relative to join and name you on the policy.
Please let us know what happens.
i have 4 artieries 90% blocked,1 artery (Diagonal1) 100% blocked yet I have refused bypass .Medicines,Low Fat diets and Excercises look to be good enough
I do not know what symptoms you have but in my case I feel my life has been on hold for over a year now. Although the angina is reasonably controlled by drugs, the breathlessness and excessive tiredness severely limit what I can do. Overall I do not think my quality of life is that good at the moment!
i do not have angina but ischemic only at 9min bruce tread mill test only able to do daily 45 minutes walking comfortably and other normal life .. routine excercises have developed alternative arteries for me so able to escape bypass