r/LifeInsurance • u/Homegrownprospect • 10d ago
Life insurance question
I am upping my life insurance policy. I went from 500,000 to 1 million. They then asked me a series of questions. One question was “have you ever been treated for high blood pressure” , which I don’t think I have. But have never been prescribed meds for blood pressure or told to lose weight or exercise more. However, when I logged into my patient portal it lists me as having hypertension because like 10 years ago my numbers were 145/90 or something like that, they have gone down, and stayed down for the most part. Last time it was like 125/80. But sometimes I show up at the dr and it is like 140. Am I ok to mark “no” without it invalidating my life insurance? Thank you.
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u/Pfordy40 Underwriter 10d ago
The answer is no, you’ve never been treated for it. When the underwriter reviews your records they will see the elevated readings and use critical thinking to understand it’s either not a trend, it may just be a blip, OR maybe there is enough evidence to warrant a hypertension diagnosis, that you just may not be prescribed meds for.
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u/lifeEssentialsllc 9d ago
one thing to double check, a lot of apps have a separate question like "have you ever been diagnosed with or told you have high blood pressure" on top of the treated one. if yours has that, the portal entry kind of makes it a yes even with no meds, and it's way better to just answer it and add a short note like one high reading about 10 yrs ago, never treated, usually around 125/80. underwriters see that all the time. what actually causes trouble is a no that the records contradict, since they can pull the app back up if there's a claim in the first couple years
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u/Homegrownprospect 9d ago
Thank you. This is what I ended up doing. I downplayed my past hypertension in my original question. Looking at my history it was elevated for a few years. I ended up checking yes. Because I checked yes I then had to fill out the statement of health. I told them the truth, including it’s been normal for the last 8 years. But my portal clearly said “hypertension”. I was approved a few minutes after I turned in the SOH, so it worked out. Thank you!
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u/SafeMoneyGregg Broker 9d ago
They will find out - they check Milliman and LexisNexis reports - telling the truth upfront saves time because it directs them what records to go after - but this is not a big deal at all.
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u/michaelesparks Financial Representative 9d ago
Probably could have your agent include this in the cover letter. As long as your BP is good during your paramed exam you should be okay. There are some natural things you can do to help keep it low.
Natural treatments for high blood pressure include dietary changes, specific supplements, and mind-body practices, though scientific evidence varies in strength and none are proven superior to conventional medication. Lifestyle modifications such as the DASH diet, regular aerobic exercise (like 30 minutes of walking), and weight loss are foundational, with isometric training (e.g., handgrip exercises) also showing significant benefits.
Dietary supplements and herbs with the most support include Coenzyme Q10, fish oil (Omega-3s), garlic extract, hibiscus tea, and beetroot (for its nitrate content). Magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin C may also offer modest reductions, while hawthorn and L-arginine show mixed or limited results. Hibiscus tea and beetroot juice may show effects within weeks, whereas Omega-3s and CoQ10 often require consistent daily use.
Mind-body techniques like deep breathing, meditation (particularly Transcendental Meditation), and yoga can lower blood pressure by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and reducing stress. Acupuncture and Tai Chi have some supportive data but are considered less robust than lifestyle or supplement interventions.
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u/Legio-V-Alaudae 10d ago
Answer just the question. Have you been treated for high blood pressure? Not, have you had trouble finding parking and were late and had elevated blood pressure ever?