Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure may be unable to work because of their disease and its related complications. Patients who find themselves unable to work because of their uncontrolled high blood pressure may qualify for long term disability (LTD) benefits. The insurance company will review their claim to see if they qualify under the conditions of that plan.
What is High Blood Pressure?
When blood pressure in the arteries is elevated, for whatever reason, the heart is forced to work much harder than normal to keep blood circulating through the blood vessels going at a normal speed. This is usually simply referred to as high blood pressure but is also called hypertension or arterial hypertension.
Blood pressure is determined by two readings: systolic, the top reading, which determines whether the heart muscle is contracting, and diastolic, the bottom reading, which shows if it is relaxed between beats. Normal blood pressure is said to be somewhere in the area of 100–140 systolic over 60–90 diastolic. High blood pressure is diagnosed if readings are consistently at or above 140/90.
Types of Hypertension and Consequences
Hypertension is classified as either a primary or secondary case. Primary hypertension means that high blood pressure is occurring without signs of other medical causes. Secondary hypertension means high blood pressure is being caused by some medical condition, particularly those affecting the kidneys, arteries, heart, or endocrine system. People who are obese or who have an adrenal gland disorder are most likely to have high blood pressure.
Those with high blood pressure run a higher risk than others of getting heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, artery aneurysms, and chronic kidney disease. Hypertension significantly lowers life expectancy and causes symptoms like nausea, migraines, difficulty with vision, and problems with concentration.
In severe cases, such as blood pressure readings of 180/110 or higher, evidence may appear of damage to vital organs due to hypertension. This is known as a hypertension emergency. Many who have even milder forms of this condition are incapable of maintaining a job.
Work With an Experienced Long Term Disability Attorney
Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve for your uncontrolled high blood pressure. Even if you have been denied benefits, that does not mean your fight is over. Many people are denied benefits the first time they apply. You have the right to file an appeal and try to get more information that may help your case. Getting expert help is often the difference between being denied and being approved for benefits.
While the process can be daunting, your experienced disability attorney will be able to guide you through the process. They do not get paid until you win your case. You can seek help without worrying about upfront costs or unexpected bills.
The Ortiz Law Firm has successfully represented people in disability cases across the United States. If you would like to talk to an experienced disability lawyer about your uncontrolled high blood pressure and its impact on your ability to work, call us at (888) 321-8131. We would be happy to evaluate your case and to discuss how to help you through the appeal process.