Did you know:
- The liver produces all the cholesterol our body needs, however, dietary cholesterol (taken in through the foods we eat), causes the liver to send even more cholesterol into the bloodstream.
- High cholesterol can cause fatty build up in the arteries which increases our risk of heart disease and stroke.
- High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is considered “good” cholesterol. HDL helps to remove bad cholesterol known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. Triglyceride is another form of cholesterol and the most common type of fat in the body.
- Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL. The higher the HDL, the lower the ratio. This is a good thing!
In the past, carriers looked stringently upon all cholesterol levels when underwriting a case. These days, there are some carriers who can overlook total cholesterol levels if between 150-300. Preferred classes are available with favorable, low cholesterol/HDL ratios, even with total cholesterol levels nearing 300!
Consider these examples:
- Male client, age 45, NS
- Seeking $2 mil of Term, Cholesterol on exam was 298 with a Chol/HDL ratio of 5.0
- Does not take any medication
Underwriting outcome: PREFERRED BEST!
- Female client, age 60, NS
- Seeking $1 mil of UL, Cholesterol on exam was 275 with a Chol/HDL ratio of 6.0
- Takes a prescribed cholesterol medication
Underwriting outcome: PREFERRED!
- Male client, age 52, NS
- Seeking $500k of Term, Cholesterol on exam was 260 with a Chol/HDL ratio of 7.0
- Takes a prescribed cholesterol medication
Underwriting outcome: NON SMOKER PLUS!
The CPS Life Underwriting Department has a heart for finding the best possible outcomes on your cholesterol cases. Give us a call!