The lowdown on high blood pressure and life insurance

High blood pressure is called the silent killer for a reason. One in three adults in the U.S. has it, many with no symptoms, no red flags, and unless they’ve seen a doctor lately, no idea their numbers are so high they are at risk for heart attack or stroke, according to Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

“High blood pressure is a precursor or indicator of other health issues going on,” says Ryan Pinney, brokerage director with Pinney Insurance Center in Roseville, Calif. He says that is why underwriters and insurance companies take into consideration an applicant’s systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) readings much like they do their height and weight when determining how they will be rated for life insurance.

He says a blood pressure of 130/85 is normal and would usually result in a preferred or preferred plus rating, the best and least expensive, while 150/90 would bring you down to standard, or even substandard rating, depending on whether it is being effectively treated with medications.

How high is too high? An applicant whose blood pressure soars to 180/110 and/or is left untreated, could be declined depending on their age and if they have heart disease, diabetes or other related medical conditions, says Anna Hart, MS, SRN, principal and consulting underwriter with ARH Consulting in Eastland, Texas.

“The higher the reading at a younger age, the worse the rating,” Hart says, noting a 25-year-old male is not expected to have high blood pressure.

Ratings get even worse if you add in obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol, she adds.

The good news is you can come back to the same insurer in six months to a year and get a better rating, even preferred plus is possible