Medical innovations can reduce social inequalities in health: an analysis of blood pressure and medication in the HUNT study

This paper examines whether the use of blood pressure medication has an influence on social inequalities in blood pressure levels. In Norway, cardiovascular disease has for decades been associated with high mortality and social inequalities. High blood pressure is an important risk factor in this aspect, and prescription drugs have been established as a standard treatment of hypertension. We have seen population blood pressure levels fall, blood pressure inequality levels remaining stabile, and medication use increase. The paper uses panel data from the Nord-Trondelag Health Study linked with registry data on education and income. Results from fixed effects regression analyses indicate that blood pressure medication overall has a levelling effect. The traditional social gradient is mainly found among non-users of medication. With blood pressure medication being plausibly at a late stage of its diffusion, these findings give some support to the hierarchical diffusion model, while they also imply the need for equal access to sufficient blood pressure treatment.

Automated summary

This paper examines the influence of blood pressure medication on social inequalities in blood pressure levels in Norway. The results show that medication overall has a leveling effect, with the traditional social gradient mainly found among non-users.