THE EFFECTS OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATION ON THE INCENTIVES TO IMPROVE HEALTH BEHAVIORS

Abstract

Despite the advancements in drug therapy and the importance placed on a healthy lifestyle, controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) remains a significant problem in the United States. A theory for this discrepancy is that of risk compensation. Given the effectiveness of the current medication in lowering blood pressure levels, hypertensive individuals may be disincentivized to improve their health behaviors. This analysis uses data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to assess the impact of antihypertensive drug use on health behaviors. The findings of this paper suggest that use of this medication leads to an increase in weight levels and a reduction in time spent exercising. However, the results also indicate that antihypertensive drug use is linked with a decrease in the probability of being a smoker and drinking excessive amount of alcohol. The findings of this analysis are important in understanding the full consequences of antihypertensive medication on controlling hypertension. Furthermore, this analysis of risk compensation is relevant to all prescription medication in general, and may broaden the manner in which their effectiveness is assessed.