Physical Fitness or Treadmill Credits by Elizabeth Gazda-Smith, M.D. The benefits of regular exercise are well known and many individuals participate in an exercise program of some type for the benefit of their health. Regular exercise has been proven to decrease deaths from coronary heart disease as well as mortality from all causes. One way to assess someone's physical fitness is by their performance on a treadmill test (also called an exercise electrocardiogram). Recently at Prudential we instituted a "treadmill credit" that may be used to offset part of, or in some cases all of a rating for build, hypertension, elevated lipids (cholesterol or triglycerides), coronary artery disease and bundle branch blocks (an electrocardiogram abnormality). While Prudential does not require a treadmill test as part of its routine age and amount requirements, many of our clients do have treadmill test results available from their attending physician's statement. To apply credits, the treadmill test results need to be normal, of adequate duration, and completed within the past year. Adequate exercise duration is defined as: 14 minutes or 10 METS if ages 20 - 34 12 minutes or 9.2 METS if ages 35 - 49 10 minutes or 8.4 METS if ages 50 - 59 6.7 minutes or 7.0 METS if ages 60+ The following examples illustrate the benefit of having the physical fitness or treadmill credit. 51 year old male, nonsmoker who is 5'10" tall and weighs 266 pounds. This would typically call for a Table B rating. A normal treadmill test of adequate duration completed within the past year would offset the rating and the case would be considered Preferred (absent any other significant medical impairment). 62 year old female, nonsmoker, with an uncomplicated heart attack 6 months ago and has returned to normal activities. She has a normal ejection fraction, is on aspirin,has no further chest pain, and a follow-up normal treadmill test of at least 6.7 minutes of duration. She would now be rated Table B (as compared to Table C without the treadmill credit). 50 year old male, nonsmoker, with a total cholesterol value of 350 mg/ml would typically be rated a Table B. A normal treadmill test of adequate duration completed within the past year would offset the rating and the case would be considered Preferred (absent any other significant medical impairment). Because documented good physical fitness levels improve life expectancy, overall we can view these cases more favorably from an underwriting standpoint. The following Rx for Success issues have been revised to take into account this new credit: Lipid Levels (#1) Hypertension (#6) Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) (#14) Bundle Branch Blocks (#33) Build (#42) Please feel free to use these Rx for Success issues with their Ask "Rx"perts for an informal quote. Prudential Select Brokerage...Meeting Your Client's Life Insurance Needs! This material is intended for insurance informational purposes only and is not personal medical advice for clients. Dr. Betty Gazda-Smith joined The Prudential in August of 1990 as Director of Medical Services for the Prudential Agencies in Plymouth, Minnesota. She transferred to Prudential Select Brokerage in March, 1993 and was promoted to Vice President and Chief Medical Officer in January, 1994. Prior to joining Prudential, she practiced Internal Medicine in downtown Minneapolis. Betty is board certified in Internal Medicine and Insurance Medicine. Betty is a member of the American Medical Association, Minnesota Medical Association, Twin City Medical Directors Association, and American Academy of Insurance Medicine. She has had multiple publications including a regular column in Broker World. Prudential Select Brokerage