Intermittent claudication is pain classically affecting the calf muscles, and less commonly the thighs and buttocks, that is induced by exercise and relieved by rest.
Circulation problems such as intermittent claudication are generally caused by arteries that are too narrow to carry adequate amounts of blood. Arteries narrow if cholesterol (mainly LDL or "bad cholesterol") gathers in the artery linings to form plaques, which can lead to blood vessel blockages. This process is known as arteriosclerosis and can lead to intermittent claudication.
Treatment involves correcting any risk factors that exacerbate the build up of plaques, these risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. If the disease is left untreated, it may progress to severe chronic ischaemia (death of muscle) in the calves, thighs or buttocks. Surgical treatment can involve surgically removing the plaques in the arteries or bypassing the affected arteries in the legs.
Classification of intermittent claudication
| Mild | Asymptomatic, can walk more than 300 yards/metres without pain, no evidence of coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease (brain), diabetes or smoking, good control of lipids, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors |
| Moderate | Can walk >100 yards/metres without pain, good control of cardiovascular risk factors especially blood pressure and lipids, non smoker |
| Severe | Confined to home, pain at rest - diabetic, smoker, severe ischaemia, history or ischaemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disease |
Peripheral Vascular Disease:
This is a condition which results in the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs, neck, stomach or kidneys. This is due to atherosclerosis which is caused when fatty deposits build up along the inner walls of an artery. In some situations bypass surgery is carried out by takin g a vein and using it to direct blood past the narrowed or blocked artery. Alternatively, it can be treated by balloon angioplasty which involves passing a fine balloon catheter down to the affected arteries and it is inflated to force the walls of the artery apart.
What information should my client provide?
Your customer should complete the General medical disclosure fast-track questionnaire
Likely acceptance terms
Life cover
| Life | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical treatment only | +150% up | +250% up | Cover will be declined |
| Following successful surgery | +200% up | +200% up | +200% up |
Specified illness cover, income protection
Cover will be declined.
Hospital cash cover, accident cover, contribution cover
Cover will be declined.
Please note that likely acceptance terms are indicative only and cases are subject to full underwriting.
We recommend you contact the underwriting team to discuss individuals with this medical history.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.