Statins And Life Insurance: Blood Test Impact

When applying for life insurance, a medical exam, including a blood test, is often required. These tests allow insurers to assess an applicant's health and determine their risk class, which affects the cost of the policy. While statins are a common medicine used to treat high blood cholesterol, it is unclear whether they show up in blood tests for life insurance. However, it is known that liver tests used to be conducted annually to check for liver injury from statins, but now a single baseline liver test is recommended before starting statin treatment, and periodic checks may be continued for high-risk individuals.

Statins and liver tests

Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for cardiac patients. They are also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors and work by reducing the production of cholesterol precursors, thereby decreasing overall cholesterol biosynthesis. While statins have few and very rare side effects, one of the potential side effects is liver injury. This drug-induced liver injury (DILI) can be either direct (hepatocellular) or idiosyncratic. As with multiple other hepatic pathologies, DILI may be asymptomatic or clinically silent. Therefore, it is recommended to perform liver function tests (LFTs) from time to time to monitor liver status.

LFTs are an inexpensive, non-invasive, and quick first-line investigation to monitor liver health. However, the pattern of liver injury with statin use is not specific, and a correlation over time may not be apparent. Studies have shown that statins can cause dose-dependent borderline elevations of liver function tests over time. These elevations are clinically and statistically insignificant and should not deter physicians from prescribing or continuing statins.

According to the American Heart Association and the FDA, serious liver injury from statins is a rare side effect, and routine blood testing is not necessary to identify people at risk for statin-related liver problems. It is estimated that only one in 1,000 people taking statins will have an abnormal liver test result due to the medication. Since statins rarely cause liver problems, and many other factors can affect liver tests, most abnormal liver test results in people taking statins are unrelated.

However, there have been rare reports of serious liver problems associated with statin use, particularly in people who already have liver disease or are taking other medications that can worsen the effect of statins on the liver. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a baseline liver test before starting statin treatment and periodic checks for people at high risk of liver problems. Additionally, the NHS recommends a routine blood test to check liver health three months and twelve months after starting statin treatment.

Statins and blood tests

Statins are drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They are the most common medicine used to treat high blood cholesterol. When a person starts taking statins, their healthcare provider may order a lipid panel one to three months later to see if the drug is working. Repeat tests may be done every three to 12 months to ensure cholesterol levels remain healthy.

Statins can cause side effects, such as muscle pain, and in rare cases, liver problems. Therefore, blood tests are important to monitor for any potential complications. If a person taking statins experiences muscle pain, their doctor may order a blood test to check for muscle damage.

While statins can affect liver function, serious liver injury from statins is a rare side effect. Routine blood testing is not typically recommended to monitor for liver problems, as most abnormal liver test results in people taking statins are unrelated. However, a single baseline liver test is recommended before starting statins, and periodic checks may be continued for people at high risk of liver problems.

When applying for life insurance, individuals usually undergo a medical exam, which may include a blood test. These blood tests assess an applicant's health, including cholesterol levels, to determine their risk class, which impacts the cost of the policy. Higher cholesterol levels may result in higher insurance premiums.

Life insurance blood tests screen for various health markers and conditions, such as cholesterol levels, liver function, kidney disease, diabetes, and drug use. The presence of certain medications, such as statins, in the blood may be detected during these tests. However, it is important to disclose any prescription medications during the application process to avoid misunderstandings.

Life insurance medical exams

A standard life insurance physical includes:

• A driver's license check to confirm your identity.
• Measurements of your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure.
• An EKG, usually only for seniors or if you want a large death benefit.
• A series of health questions to confirm the information in your application, and a list of doctors you've seen recently.

• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides (poor levels are associated with heart disease).
• Hemoglobin A1C, fructosamine, and glucose levels (indicators of diabetes).
• Creatinine, hemoglobin, and proteins (to check for kidney disease).
• Urine acidity (for kidney issues or diabetes).
• Confirmation of responses on drug and tobacco use.
• Your blood and urine will also be tested for tobacco, nicotine, and prescription and recreational drugs.

How to Prepare for a Life Insurance Medical Exam

• Get a good night's sleep the day before your exam.
• Drink a glass of water about an hour before your appointment.
• Make sure you bring a photo ID.
• Be prepared to discuss any health issues at the exam.
• Avoid salty foods and foods high in cholesterol, like eggs and cheese, starting the day before your exam.
• Don't drink alcohol for 12 hours before your exam.
• Don't do heavy or intense exercise for 12 hours before your exam.
• Don't drink caffeine or use any nicotine products for an hour before your exam.

What to Do if You're Denied Coverage

If you're denied life insurance based on your medical exam, first, figure out the reason. Request a copy of your test results from the exam company and ask your insurance company. If the results seem off, request a second exam. For example, if your exam results show high blood pressure, but it's usually within the normal range, something may have been off that day.

What life insurance blood tests test for

When applying for life insurance, a medical exam, including a blood test, is usually required. These tests are provided for free by the insurance company and are used to determine an applicant's risk class, which affects the cost of the policy. Blood tests allow insurers to get a clear picture of your health and assess any potential risks.

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
• Indicators of diabetes, such as hemoglobin A1C, fructosamine, and glucose levels
• Kidney disease markers, such as creatinine, hemoglobin, and proteins
• Urine acidity, which can indicate kidney issues or diabetes
• Confirmation of application responses regarding drug and tobacco use
• Prescription and recreational drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates
• HIV or AIDS
• Liver disease, including hepatitis, and total bilirubin, protein, albumin, and globulin levels
• Enzyme levels, which can indicate inflammation around organs, including cardiac or liver conditions

In addition to blood tests, life insurance medical exams may also include measurements of height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure, as well as an electrocardiogram (EKG) for older applicants or those seeking a higher coverage amount.

How to prepare for a life insurance blood test

A life insurance blood test is often part of the application process. Insurers use these tests to get a clear picture of your health and assess any potential risks. While it's possible to skip the test under certain circumstances, it's a good idea to be prepared. Here are some steps you can take to get ready for your life insurance blood test:

• Schedule your exam carefully: Try to set your exam for the morning when your body is naturally fasted. Plan a calm time when you won't be rushed or stressed. A morning exam provides fasted results, which can improve the accuracy of blood sugar and cholesterol readings. Less stress can also keep your blood pressure in a normal range.
• Stay hydrated and eat well: In the days leading up to your test, drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals. Avoid salty, fatty, or processed foods that might impact your test results. Hydration makes blood draws easier and ensures a clean urine sample, while eating balanced meals can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Get adequate sleep: Aim for a full night's sleep (7-8 hours) before your exam. Resting well can stabilize your blood pressure and stress levels, leading to more accurate readings.
• Bring relevant information and identification: Have a government-issued ID ready to confirm your identity. It's also helpful to carry a list of any medications or key medical history points. This avoids delays and ensures a smooth process.
• Avoid strenuous activities: Refrain from intense workouts within 24 hours of your appointment. Light activities, like a walk, are fine. Intense physical activity can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which could lead to results that don't reflect your usual health profile.
• Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing: Choose loose, lightweight clothing that allows easy access for blood draws. This helps you feel at ease and makes the process smoother for the examiner.

In addition to these steps, it's important to be honest when answering any questions during the application process and medical exam. Disclose any prescription medications, nicotine or tobacco use, and other relevant information. Remember that the life insurance medical exam is designed to be simple and unobtrusive, and it's in your interest to get the best results possible.

Frequently asked questions