One study of aging polio survivors found a greater number of polio survivors reporting high blood pressure than would be expected in the general population of the same age (Campbell, 1999). Survivors should monitor their blood pressure during routine physical examinations.
Those with a family history of high blood pressure should begin and maintain a low-salt diet early in life. Routine diagnostic workups and treatment of hypertension are recommended. Diet and/or stress management methods are highly recommended before using medications (see Medications), particularly beta blockers, because of the common side effects of fatigue and muscle pain – also symptoms of the late effects of polio.
Reference
Campbell, M.L. (1999, June 25-29). Secondary conditions experienced by persons aging with long-term physical disabilities. Paper presented at RESNA Annual Conference: Spotlight on Technology, Long Beach, CA.