Heart Valve Disease

Aortic valve disease is a  condition in which the valve between the main pumping chamber in the heart, the left ventricle and the main artery of your body (aorta) doesn’t work properly. 

In mitral valve disease, the mitral valve which is located between your left heart chambers (the left atrium and left ventricle) doesn’t work properly.  Valve disease can sometimes present at birth or it can result from other causes. 

Aortic/Mitral Valve Stenosis:  The valve opening is narrowed preventing it from opening fully.  This obstructs the blood flow from the heart into the aorta and the rest of the body (aortic) and from the left atrium to left ventricle (mitral). 

Aortic/Mitral Valve Regurgitation:  The valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle (aortic) and the left atrium from your heart (mitral)

If not treated, it can result in heart muscle damage.

Surgical treatment of aortic and mitral valve disease consists of repair of the damaged valves or valve replacement. It is usually carried out when the damage to the valve is causing significant symptoms which are progressive. Valve replacement involves replacing the diseased valve with a prosthesis either mechanical or tissue valve. These valves relieve symptoms but have a life span and complications can occur. Ongoing medication is usually necessary after such surgery.

What information should my client provide?

Your customer can complete the General Medical fast-track questionnaire 

Likely Underwriting Acceptance:

	Life Cover	Specified Illness Cover	Income Protection
No Surgery:
Slight	Standard Rates to 50% upwards	50% and Heart Valve Exclusion	100%
Mild	Standard rates to 150%	Decline	Decline
Moderate	50% to 200%	Decline	Decline
Severe	Decline	Decline	Decline
With Surgery:
	Postpone within six months Terms range from +50% upwards depending on customers age and any complications	Decline	Decline

Please note that likely acceptance terms are indicative only and cases are subject to full underwriting.